Alma 60 - I Have Somewhat to Say Unto Them by the Way of Condemnation

Frustrated with the lack of provisions and reinforcements from the central government, Moroni wrote a heated letter to the governor Pahoran. While this letter seems like a scathing indictment, it actually mirrors communication principles you'd expect to read about in contemporary management book. Moroni was undermanned in the throws of battle facing death and starvation. His requests for supplies and troops had seemingly fallen on deaf ears. given the circumstances, Moroni would have been justified in lashing out. But while Moroni's letter to Pahoran was firm, it was also restrained, and focused. Instead of indulging in blame, Moroni shared his experience, sought to understand Pahoran, gave Pahoran the benefit of the doubt, explained consequences of inaction, and focused on solutions. In summary, Moroni:

• Reminded Pahoran of his responsibilities (Alma 60:2)
• Explained how he and his soldiers were affected (Alma 60:3, 5, 9, 17)
• Asked Pahoran for his side of the story (Alma 60:6)
• Speculated possible causes for Pahoran's inaction (Alma 60:11-12, 19-23)
• Asked Pahoran to take action (Alma 60: 24-25, 29-30, 34)
• Outlined consequences for inaction (Alma 60:14 24-25, 29-30, 35)
• Reassured Pahoran of his intentions (Alma 60:36)

Reminded Pahoran of his responsibilities (Alma 60:2)

By reminding Pahoran of his responsibilities, Moroni implied that Pahoran was knowledge and capable, and acknowledged that a lack of support seemed out of character for Pahoran. "Ye yourselves know that ye have been appointed to gather together men, and arm them with swords, and with cimeters, and all manner of weapons of war of every kind, and send forth against the Lamanites, in whatsoever parts they should come into our land" (Alma 60:2). This can also be seen as an effort to reinforce their common purpose to arm and defend the people. To paraphrase, it is almost as if Moroni was saying to Pahoran, "This doesn't seem like you and I know you can do better."

Explained how he and his soldiers were affected (Alma 60:3, 5, 9, 17)

Moroni clearly articulated his experience and point of view to make sure Pahoran understood where he was coming from. Moroni and his soldiers had "suffered exceedingly great sufferings; yea, even hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and all manner of afflictions of every kind," and "thousands have fallen by the sword" (Alma 60:3, 5). By sharing his side of the story, Moroni gave Pahoran the information he needed to show the right amount of urgency. 

Asked Pahoran for his side of the story (Alma 60:6)

Moroni sought to understand Pahoran's perspective, and didn't jump to conclusions about why he had not sent provisions and reinforcements. "We desire to know the cause of this exceedingly great neglect; yea, we desire to know the cause of your thoughtless state" (Alma 60:6). 

Speculated possible causes for Pahoran's inaction (Alma 60:11-12, 19-23)

In fact, Moroni speculated on possible reasons to give Pahoran an opportunity to confirm or clarify. He asks Pahoran, "could ye suppose that ye could sit upon your thrones, and because of the exceeding goodness of God ye could do nothing and he would deliver you?" or "do ye suppose that, because so many of your brethren have been killed it is because of their wickedness?" (Alma 60:11-12). He invites Pahoran to counter his fears, "For we know not but what ye yourselves are seeking for authority. We know not but what ye are also traitors to your country" (Alma 60:18). Moroni asks if the neglect of the central government was because:

• "ye are in the heart of our country and ye are surrounded by security" (Alma 60:19)
• "ye forgotten the commandments of the Lord your God" (Alma 60:20)
• "ye [have] forgotten the captivity of our fathers" (Alma 60:20)
• "ye [have] forgotten the many times we have been delivered out of the hands of our enemies" (Alma 60:20)
• "ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us (Alma 60:21)
• "ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless while ye sit still and behold these things" (Alma 60:22)

Asked Pahoran to take action (Alma 60: 24-25, 29-30, 34) 

Moroni focuses on the future and makes specific and relevant requests without assigning blame or rehashing the past. He asked Pahoran to "send forth food and men unto us, and also unto Helaman" (Alma 60:24). He also explained the potential benefits of taking action, "that [Helaman] may support those parts of our country which he has regained, and that we may also recover the remainder of our possessions in these parts (Alma 60:24). 

Outlined consequences for inaction (Alma 60:14 24-25, 29-30, 35)

Moroni didn't threaten or try to manipulate Pahoran, he simply laid out the likely consequences of inaction. This is the essence of setting boundaries: not to change what another person does, but to make it clear what action you will take to ensure your own need are met. In Moroni's case, "except ye grant mine epistle, and come out and show unto me a true spirit of freedom, and strive to strengthen and fortify our armies, and grant unto them food for their support, behold I will leave a part of my freemen to maintain this part of our land, and I will leave the strength and the blessings of God upon them, that none other power can operate against them" (Alma 60:24-25). 

Reassured Pahoran of his intentions (Alma 60:36)Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Moroni assures Pahoran of his intentions, demonstrating that he is only interested in protecting his people, not in overthrowing the governor. "I seek not for power, but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country" (Alma 60:36). When others know they are safe and that we are on their side, collaboration and solutions abound.

In the course of our interactions with family, friends, and colleagues, we will have moments of heightened emotions, opposing opinions, and high-stakes conversations. We do best when we, like Moroni, share our experience, seek to understand, withhold blame, focus on solutions, and reassure others of our intentions. 


Application Questions

What conversations are most likely to stoke my emotions? Why am I invested in these issues and how can I communicate the way I want to even when things are heated?

With whom do I experience the most conflict? How can I better understand their point of view?


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