Scripture Study Insights - week sixteen
We can’t have joy without being humble, repentant, and righteous first. We should get ourselves out of distressing situations if it is the will of the Lord – so ask Him. When truly converted, we will abhor sin, be honest and upright, and have Christ as our foundation. Fear of death can be conquered by hope in Christ and his atoning sacrifice and resurrection.
Alma 28
Sorrow is a part of mortality. It is eased through fasting and prayer.
Alma 29
“What does it mean to magnify a calling? It means to build it up in dignity and importance, to make it honorable and commendable in the eyes of all men, to enlarge and strengthen it to let the light of heaven shine through it to the view of other men. And how does one magnify a calling? Simply by performing the service that pertains to it.” Thomas S. Monson 2000 Relief Society conference talks on “being an instrument in the hands of God.” God grants men their desires, whether they’re good or evil. What am I choosing? Seeing others choose the right, along with observing their successes, can bring us joy.
Alma 30
The people in Jershon didn’t even listen to Korihor. They’re a great example of doing what it takes to remove evil influences from our lives immediately. Satan is the great deceiver. Be careful.
Alma 31
Talking and teaching truth will help someone change faster than using force will. President Benson spoke of Alma’s experiences and then said: “The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.” Alma was astonished and grieved at how the Zoramites had perverted their worship. Sometimes our trials come as the result of others’ behavior. However, when we pray in faith, our afflictions can be swallowed up in the joy of Christ
Alma 32
We don’t have to know – that’s not the commandment. The commandment is to believe, to have faith. However, often the knowledge comes as we believe and then act. Don’t neglect your testimony, keep nourishing it. Testimony is a gift from the Lord. See D&C 67:4, D&C 76:74, Matthew 13:11 and 1 Corinthians 2:12
Alma 33
Prayer is worship. God is merciful and hears our prayers no matter where we are.
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