Alma told Helaman and Shiblon that he could not have understood the gospel without being changed, born of God. God can not only give us knowledge, but He can also transform us and elevate our consciousness, so that we can understand what He is teaching us
Exquisite
Alma described his pain and his joy using the same word: exquisite, which means "in the highest degree." Lehi taught that we cannot feel joy if we feel no misery. Maybe our sorrows expand our hearts, making room for us to feel more joy.
“My Mind Caught Hold”
In Lehi's dream, people "caught hold of...the rod of iron," which led them to the tree. After an angel rebuked Alma, his mind "caught hold upon" the thought that Jesus could save him. We can figuratively catch hold of this truth in our moments of darkness
He Has…and He Will
Remembering how God has helped us in the past can strengthen our faith that He will help us in the future. Alma reviewed with his son Helaman the ways that God had sustained and delivered him, and then testified, "He will still deliver me."
“If Thou Wilt of Thyself…”
When someone's choosing unwisely, you might propose they think about the impact of their actions on other people. Alma's angel took the opposite approach, urging him to think about their impact on him. Are your choices making you stronger and happier?
“We Talk of Christ”
Nephi tells us that he consistently taught his children about Christ, because he wanted them to know where to turn to overcome their sins. Sometimes those words aren't well-received at first, but they may eventually become a lifeline in a time of need.
Unto You / Unto Us
The angel told the shepherds that he had good news for everyone, but then he made it personal: "Unto you is born...a Saviour." The Atonement of Jesus Christ is both universal and personal. It is for everyone, but we receive His power one by one.
Beseeching
In Paul's epistle to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, he uses the word "beseech" instead of "enjoin." This word conveys his depth of feeling about the request while also showing appropriate respect for Philemon's agency.
By the Grace of God
Paul gave credit to God for every good thing he had accomplished or become. Benjamin, Alma, and Mormon likewise expressed gratitude for God's grace. We must not deny nor forget the power by which we are supported, delivered, and sanctified
Alma and Saul
Both Alma and Paul experienced sudden and miraculous conversions to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although our own conversion experience is likely to be more gradual, we can learn a lot about the conversion process by understanding their experiences.