Alma 14 – Alma and Amulek are forced to witness the martyrdom of those who believed them. What a painful experience this had to have been for two men of God who had such love as to devote their lives to teaching and sharing the gospel with others.
I’m impressed with their response three times as they were questioned in hostile circumstances. “They answered them nothing.” They remained silent. Why is that? They had the Spirit with them through this experience. Those with an understanding of the gospel and who know how the Holy Ghost works know that the Spirit of Contention is of the devil and when we engage, the Spirit withdraws. (3 Nephi 11:39).
How does this apply to me? When others seek to convince me of their false beliefs, I need to know when “to answer them nothing”. When I was beginning to gain my own testimony I was foolish sometimes in trying to “prove my stand”. I have no regret at the direction my life has taken, but I can’t help but wonder what would have happened had I just born simple testimony.
Today my struggles are with a daughter who has turned sour on the church and its supposed judgmental people. I know this mentality! When we wander from the truth, we are critical of those who are strong where we are not. When she chooses to argue her point, I need to quickly express my love for her and bear testimony as it pertains to the topic at hand.
Last night she was hurt because a married couple at the gym told her they were uncomfortable with her “flirting” which she calls friendliness. What is the principle I need to bear witness to? The sacredness of the marriage covenant and our responsibility as husband and wife to safeguard that relationship at all cost – even if it means offending.
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