“Alma 12: A Hard or Soft Heart,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)
“Alma 12,” Book of Mormon Student Manual
Alma 12
A Hard or Soft Heart
What do you think it means to have a hard heart or a soft heart toward the Lord? When Zeezrom began to ask Alma and Amulek sincere questions, Alma taught that those who do not harden their hearts can learn the things of God. Alma taught the plan of redemption and encouraged the people to evaluate their hearts. This lesson can help you evaluate your heart and your willingness to receive God’s word.
Comparing the heart to clay
Think of a time when you watched someone make something out of clay or you did so yourself. Can you remember if the clay was easy to work with or if it was dried out or hard?
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How does using soft or hard clay affect your ability to shape it?
In your study journal, draw two hearts, labeling one “hard heart” and the other “soft heart.” It may be helpful to know that in scripture the heart often symbolizes someone’s “mind and will” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Heart,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Compare our hearts to the clay and the Lord to the person molding it. As you study this lesson, seek the Lord’s help to answer the following questions:
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What does it mean to have a hard heart or a soft heart? Why does the state of my heart matter?
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In what ways do I have a hard heart or a soft heart?
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If my heart is hard, how can I seek the Lord’s help to soften it?
As you learn, consider writing notes under each heart you drew in your study journal.
Hard hearts and soft hearts
Zeezrom and others had been trying to deceive and discredit Alma and Amulek by asking questions meant to trap them (see Alma 11:21). Amulek responded through the Spirit, testifying of the Savior and of the Final Judgment (see Alma 11:26–46). Alma explained that he and Amulek knew of Zeezrom’s deceptions through the Spirit (see Alma 12:3–6).
Read Alma 12:7–8, looking for what happened to Zeezrom.
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What phrases indicate to you that Zeezrom was changing?
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What difference do you think Zeezrom’s attitude might have had on his ability to receive answers?
Because Zeezrom really wanted to know about the Final Judgment, Alma used this opportunity to teach about God’s plan of redemption. However, Alma first cautioned Zeezrom that his heart needed to be right before God.
As you read Alma 12:9–11, mark words or phrases that help you understand what happens because of the state of our hearts. It might help to know that “mysteries of God are spiritual truths known only by revelation” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Mysteries of God,” scriptures.churchofJesusChrist.org).
Two principles you may have identified are (1) if we do not harden our hearts and we diligently give heed to God’s word, we can come to know God’s mysteries and (2) if we harden our hearts, we will receive less of God’s word until we know nothing about God’s mysteries. Consider writing each truth next to the hearts you have drawn in your journal.
To gain greater understanding of what it means to have a hard heart or what we can do for the Lord to soften our hearts, read some of the following verses. Next to the corresponding hearts in your study journal, write what you learn or important phrases from these verses and the verses you read from Alma 12:7–11.
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People hardening their hearts: 1 Nephi 15:3; 2 Nephi 33:2; Mosiah 11:29.
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What people did for the Lord to soften their hearts: 1 Nephi 2:16; Alma 24:8.
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What do you think it would look like for someone to ask questions with a hard heart? What would it look like to ask giving “heed and diligence” (Alma 12:9) to the Lord?
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Why might we sometimes feel tempted to harden our hearts?
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Why do you think the state of our heart toward the Lord can make such a difference in our lives?
God’s plan of redemption
Because Zeezrom began to have a sincere desire to understand the resurrection and the Judgment Day, Alma taught him about God’s plan of redemption. He taught this life is “a time to prepare to meet God” and about the essential role of the Savior in overcoming our sins and death (see Alma 12:16–18, 24–28, 33). He pointed out the importance of not hardening our hearts.
Take a moment to imagine what it may be like to stand before God at the Final Judgment after living with a hardened heart. Also imagine what it may be like after living with a softened heart.
Read Alma 12:12–15, 33–37, looking for how your heart can affect your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ at the Final Judgment. You may want to mark important words or phrases in your scriptures.
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According to Alma 12:33–34, why is it essential to not harden our hearts and to repent?
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How was the Savior a perfect example of having a soft and humble heart toward His Father? (See Matthew 26:39; 2 Nephi 31:4–7; Doctrine and Covenants 19:18–19.)
Your heart
To help you evaluate your own heart, answer the following questions on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “never true of me” and 5 meaning “always true of me.”
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I want guidance from Heavenly Father in all aspects of my life.
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I am willing to obey Heavenly Father.
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I accept correction.
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I feel a need for the Savior’s help in my life.
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I am willing to turn to the Savior and repent.
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To demonstrate what you have learned from your study of Alma 12, complete the following activity:
Imagine that someone felt they had a hard heart in some ways and wanted the Lord’s help to soften it. How could you use what you learned today to help them? You could also share the example of the Savior and your own personal experiences.