All relationships need boundaries, and setting limits on appropriate behavior does not lessen love or forgiveness. The Lord taught Alma that there are behavioral boundaries for church members, but He reiterated that church members should forgive one another. Forgiveness involves seeing others as children of God, even as we establish and maintain healthy relationship boundaries.
Finding Opportunities to “Be One”
Unity is essential to discipleship. Alma taught that having “hearts knit together in unity and in love” made his people “the children of God." The Savior said, “Be one; and if ye are not one, ye are not mine." Elder Buckner urged us to look for opportunities to be one instead of reasons to divide.
Thy Daily Walk
The Lord emphasized to Martin Harris that we need to focus on our "daily walk," living every day according to the counsel we have received. Two essential components of our daily walk with Him are prayer and gratitude.
Mourning
Jesus said, "Blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Mourning is an expression of love. When we open our hearts to others, we feel their sorrow, and we miss them when they are gone. Mourning is an integral part of love.
“I Am Mormon”
Mormon tells us three things when he introduces himself in 3 Nephi 5: 1. The origin and significance of his name 2. His calling and purpose 3. His multigenerational perspective
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.
“See, Here Is Water”
The eunuch said to Peter, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" Alma made a similar invitation to his people. We can emulate this action-orientation in our daily decisions by acknowledging what's possible and identifying roadblocks.
Bearing Burdens
Three lessons about carrying burdens from Alma's people and Limhi's people: 1. Burdens are lighter when we carry them together. 2. Sometimes, we need to accept our burdens gracefully. 3. A burden can be a blessing.
The Waters of Mormon
The waters of Mormon were a beautiful place for those who "came to the knowledge of their Redeemer" there. We can all be grateful for sacred places, including our church buildings, where we have been able to grow closer to God.
Burdens
Isaiah called some of his prophecies "burdens." They described difficult times ahead. The scriptures teach us how to manage our burdens: 1. Share them with each other. 2. Don't add to others' burdens. 3. Accept the burdens Jesus offers us.