When Alma saw wickedness around him, he felt deep “sorrow,” “tribulation,” and “anguish of soul” (Alma 8:14). “Wickedness among this people,” he said of the Zoramites, “doth pain my soul” (Alma 31:30). He felt something similar after returning from his mission to the Zoramites—he observed that the hearts of many of the Nephites “began to wax hard, and that they began to be offended because of the strictness of the word,” and this made his heart “exceedingly sorrowful” (Alma 35:15). What did Alma do about what he saw and felt? He didn’t simply become discouraged or cynical about the state of the world. Instead, “he caused that his sons should be gathered together” and taught them “things pertaining unto righteousness” (Alma 35:16). He taught them that “there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. … Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness” (Alma 38:9).
Few of us will have experiences as dramatic as Alma’s conversion. But everyone must be “born of God,” though it usually happens gradually (Alma 36:23; 38:6). As you read Alma 36, think about what it means to be born of God. For instance, in the process of being born of God, how do you feel about sin? about Jesus Christ? How does being born of God affect what you do in response to your own mistakes? What other changes occur in your beliefs and actions? Ponder how you are experiencing these changes.
Sometimes people are afraid to repent because they see repentance as a painful punishment for sin. What do you think Alma would say about that? To find out, you could contrast what Alma’s life was like before he repented (see Alma 36:6–17) with his description of himself after he repented (see verses 18–27). According to Alma 36:17–18, how did Alma receive this forgiveness?
The scriptures have been preserved “for a wise purpose.”
Consider the miracle and blessing it is to have the scriptures today! As you read Alma 37, look for the blessings that come from having the scriptures (see, for example, verses 7–10, 18–19, 44–45).
In Alma 37:38–47, Alma compared “the word of Christ” to the Liahona. As you ponder this comparison, reflect on the ways that you have experienced the miracle and power of Christ’s teachings “day by day” (Alma 37:40).
“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”
Sometimes we may feel like our problems are so big and complicated that the solutions must be big and complicated too. But that isn’t always the Lord’s way. As you read Alma 37:1–14, consider what impresses you about how He does His work. Then you can ponder and record ways you’ve seen this principle in your life.
If you were going to teach this principle to someone, what examples from nature or everyday life would you use to illustrate it? You can find some in President Dallin H. Oaks’s message “Small and Simple Things,” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 89–92).
What are some small and simple things that bring you closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
Often, our “small and simple” choices make large differences in our lives. Consider picking a topic from For the Strength of Youth: A Guide to Making Choices and asking yourself questions like these: How do my choices about this affect me and the people around me? What small and simple changes can I make that will lead to greater peace and happiness?
See also Michael A. Dunn, “One Percent Better,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 106–8; Gospel Topics “Agency,” Gospel Library.
Use small and simple things. Like many other things in life, gospel teaching and learning can be done through small and simple means. For example, how could a little bit of salt or yeast be used to teach the power of small and simple things? (see Matthew 5:13; 13:33).
In Alma 37:35–37, look for Alma’s invitations to his son Helaman. Which of these invitations do you feel prompted to act on? For example, you might ponder what it means to “counsel with the Lord” (verse 37). How have you tried to do this? How has He directed you for good?
Sharing my testimony of Jesus Christ can strengthen people I love.
Alma’s words to his son Shiblon provide a good example of how to strengthen and encourage people we love in living the gospel. Studying Alma 38 might give you some ideas for helping family members and friends find strength in Jesus Christ. Write down what you find.
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
To help your children understand that repentance brings joy, you could give them a piece of paper with a happy face on one side and a sad face on the other. Ask them to listen while you read or summarize Alma 36:13, 17–20 and hold up one of the faces to show how Alma was feeling. Older children could write down words or phrases describing how he felt. What made Alma sad, and what brought him joy? Then you could tell them about the joy you feel when you repent.
“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”
Your children might enjoy finding small items that make big things happen. Items like a battery, car key, or even a toy that comforts them might be examples. You could then read Alma 37:6–7 together and think of some small or simple things that God wants us to do. What big things can happen when we obey these small or simple commandments?
Your children could also try something like this: start filling a cup with water, one drop at a time. How does this relate to Alma 37:6–7? Then you could talk about how the Lord’s “small and simple things,” such as reading the scriptures daily, are like drops of water in a cup.
Help your children think of ways that they bring about great things at home, school, or church. The song “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236) also illustrates this principle.
How might you help your children develop love for God’s word, as Alma did for Helaman? Consider showing them a picture of the Liahona (such as Gospel Art Book, no. 68) or inviting them to draw one while they share what they know about it (see Alma 37:38–47; 1 Nephi 16:10, 28–29). How are the scriptures like the Liahona?
