Alma 26

There are all kinds of excitement and happiness in the world. Lots of things make us feel that way. But it is a testimony of God’s reality that there really is no joy that compares to doing good, to helping Him accomplish His work. God really does want us to become like Him so that we can have the joy that He does—and that joy comes from working on and loving the things He does.

I love how the gospel changes everything. How the converted Lamenites were the people who Ammon and his brethren loved so much, and they loved them back. And yet, without the gospel they were enemies. If we had more faith, would our political enemies become beloved friends by the preaching of the gospel? I suppose, the Lamenites and Nephites had been at war for so many years at this point, it had to be at the right time with the right people to work. When I think about my sons going on missions in a few years, and how that could be the right time for missions in enemy territory, I pray to have the faith to trust them to the Lord. I know they are His, and I know faith is the opposite of fear. But, oh, how I struggle with fear.

I love the phrase “matchless bounty of his love.”

It also speaks to me when Ammon is talking about the amazing mercy of the Lord, when they had been taught the truth, and fought against it, yet he was merciful anyway. That is how I feel about mistakes of years past, and mistakes of today. I am so grateful for the atonement, and the ability to repent and start again—to change and grow instead of being lost forever in our mistakes. I am so dependent on His mercy, and grateful for his unending love and patience. Who am I to not forgive, or to get angry, when I, in every moment rely on his patience and forgiveness? I feel his sorrow when I sin, and I am so sorry for the pain I cause him, and grateful for the love he extends anyway, never wavering.

I am in awe of the love these missionaries had for the Lord, that they demonstrated by what they were willing to suffer and keep working. I really need to work on the enduring aspect of obedience. Of life, really.

I wonder how Ammon was speaking through all this. Was he jumping around and gesticulating, or speaking through his tears? You can really feel the joy in what he wrote, or said—I wonder what it looked like in his personality.

Alma 26