Alma taught the Zoramites that it's better to humble yourself than to be compelled to be humble. He also said that choosing to have faith is better than waiting for knowledge. Spiritual growth depends upon personal initiative. We grow by exercising agency
Poor in Heart
Mormon characterized a group of people who were receptive to Alma's teaching as "poor in heart" because of temporal poverty. We don't have to be poor to be humble, but we can be grateful when challenging circumstances make us receptive to God's grace.
Captivity and Deliverance: Limhi and Alma
Both Alma's and Limhi's people fell captive to the Lamanites and were both delivered by God. From their examples, we can learn to pray humbly, to recognize the blessings God provides immediately, and to look forward to the deliverance He will provide.
Sackcloth and Ashes
The people of Ninevah dressed in sackcloth and sat in ashes to symbolize their penitence. As a result, God turned away the consequences Jonah had prophesied. Abinadi likewise urged his people to "repent in sackcloth and ashes," but they did not.
Wisdom and Foolishness
Our perception of wisdom is not very reliable. We may overestimate other people's understanding and our own. The key is humility. Jacob and Paul counseled us to become fools before God. We need to recognize what we lack and be willing to learn from Him.
The Pharisee and the Publican
We don't have to convince God that we are worthy of His love. He loves us and is eager to help us. If we are so focused on proving to Him that we are already good, we may miss the opportunity to let Him help us become better!
Crumbs
When Jesus declined a Phoenician woman's request with an unflattering metaphor, she cleverly found a way to insert her request into His imagery: "The dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." The Savior rewarded this humble persistence.
“The Will of My Father”
A defining characteristic of the Savior's life was His commitment to fulfill His Father's will. Both during and after His ministry, He affirmed this commitment. We can follow His example by prioritizing God's will even when it's difficult.
Offended in Me
The Greek word for "offence" means literally a stumbling block or a trap. Jesus said, "Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." When we are offended, we can stumble, but God can help us to avoid that trap if we trust in Him.
Poor in Spirit
The Greek word ptóchos (πτωχός) means literally one who crouches or cowers. God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him. Are we spiritually poor but unaware of it? Have we not yet become ptóchos, crouching and seeking help from Him?