Alma 26 - True Love Changes Lives

Ammon is overcome with the glory of the Lord and the blessings they have received as they served the Lamanites and taught them the truth of the gospel.  In his glorying, he asks his brethren this question in verse 21:  “. . . what natural man is there that knoweth these things?  I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it be the penitent.”

What things is Ammon talking about?  He’s talking about the mysteries of heaven.  As he asks the question, he answers it.  Only the penitent – those who truly repent of their sins and forsake all evil and come unto Christ – are able to know the truth of all things.  Nothing happens until that happens.  That is why the importance to repent and commit. 

I see those in bondage to the wrong choices they have made in their lives and I can’t help but grieve for them.  As I was saying my prayer this morning, I pondered the awful situation of one such lovely young woman.  She is in a horribly dark abyss and she is sad and knows no true joy.  The way out is so easy.  I remember being there as though it were yesterday.  It is the decision to come out that is the hard part.  Keeping the commandments and following after righteousness – for me at least – was the easy part.  I knew the gospel, and there were those on the sidelines ready to help me once I made up my mind to change.  I believe that is true for all of us.  I needed to relearn a lot of things, but I knew the truth. 

I read a conference talk this morning as well.  Elder Richard G. Scott asked the question:  How can each of us become such a significant influence?   (Speaking of influencing others for good.)  His answer:  We must be sure to sincerely love those we want to help in righteousness so they can begin to develop confidence in God’s love. For so many in the world, the first challenge in accepting the gospel is to develop faith in a Father in Heaven, who loves them perfectly. It is easier to develop that faith when they have friends or family members who love them in a similar way.

So my marching orders are to love so that faith can be developed.  That is what Ammon and his brethren did.  They loved.  True love is hard to turn from.