During a perilous period of war, an exchange of letters occurred between Moroni, the captain of the Nephite armies, and Pahoran, the chief judge and governor of the land. Moroni, whose army was suffering because of inadequate support from the government, wrote to Pahoran "by the way of condemnation" (Alma 60:2) and harshly accused him of thoughtlessness, slothfulness, and neglect. Pahoran might easily have resented Moroni and his message, but he chose not to take offense. Pahoran responded compassionately and described a rebellion against the government about which Moroni was not aware. And then he responded, "Behold, I say unto you, Moroni, that I do not joy in your great afflictions, yea, it grieves my soul. . . . 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" (Alma 61:2, 9).

One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, the inexperience, and the potentially offensive actions of others. A thing, an event, or an expression may be offensive, but you and I can choose not to be offended—and to say with Pahoran, "it mattereth not."

That's what we do to each other- all of us- we mistreat each other, and especially those we live with, for we have more opportunities to mistreat them than anyone else...Being mistreated is the most important condition of mortality, for eternity itself depends on how we view those who mistreat us.

When people do not respect us we are sharply offended; yet in his private heart no man much respects himself

We should not be dismayed either if, in the winding-up scenes, the enemies of God attack the very foundation of the church. Their assaults will include derision of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and the reality of continuing revelation. These efforts will surely fail, but not before damaging some unsteady members-those who have unnecessary difficulty following the Brethren.

Basically, however any supposed issue will do for those who seek a grievance with the church, for detractors are very flexible.

Those of little faith can always find a cause or make a man "an offender for a word." (2 Nephi 27:32)

It is reported that President Brigham Young once said that 'he who takes offense when no offense was intended is a fool, and he who takes offense when offense was intended is usually a fool.'

Quickly forgotten by those who are offended is the fact that the Church is “for the perfecting of the saints” (Eph. 4:12); it is not a well-provisioned rest home for the already perfected.

...all who reject His gospel take offense thereat.

Write injuries in sand, kindnesses in marble.