Moroni, a wonderful leader and person, throws all kinds of accusations at Pahoran, claiming that he's seeking after power and slothful and wicked. In short, Moroni is full of righteous indignation and unleashes it on Pahoran.
I've been on the receiving end of some pretty awful letters, accusing me of of terrible things that I haven't done, so perhaps that's why Pahoran's response speaks to me. Rather than returning anger for anger, he responds with love. He explains that he's been thrown out of the government, that those they are fighting now have control. He commiserates with the plight of Moroni's army and confirms that they are still on the same side. In Alma 61:9 he says
9 And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart. I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free.There are so many admirable people in the scriptures, but I think Pahoran may be one of my favorites, simply for how he answers Moroni. I know from first-hand experience the struggle of responding to such a letter. The big difference is that I was met with wrath rather than righteous indignation. Nevertheless, Pahoran's example is one that I try to follow. Sometimes I've answered, sometimes I've simply let it go, realizing that in that situation I didn't have the power to change someone else's false perceptions of me.
You know what I think is truly wonderful about the scriptural account? In chapter 62 Moroni gets Pahoran's letter and he believes it! He marches to Pahoran's aid and, eventually, peace is restored. I love these chapters.
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