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.
How to Preach
Alma was an effective teacher because he taught according to: 1. The revelations received by his predecessors. 2. The spirit of prophecy: He received revelation while he taught. 3. The testimony of Jesus 4. The holy order by which he was called.
“As Often as My People Repent”
The Savior promised to forgive us "as often" as we repent. That's a comforting promise, particularly when we make mistakes repeatedly. We need to keep repenting, He'll keep forgiving, and we'll eventually stop making those mistakes with His help.
“Give Thanks in All Things”
Alma and his fellow church leaders "[gave] thanks in all things." Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained that gratitude is not transactional. Instead, it is "an expression of hope and testimony." We can be grateful even for blessings we have not yet detected.
“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.
Shepherd and Bishop
Peter called Jesus "the Shepherd and Bishop of [our] souls." He added that we should "feed the flock of God," under the leadership of "the chief Shepherd. President Nelson called us the Savior's true undershepherds, looking after His sheep as He would do.
“I Judge Not Mine Own Self”
God's judgment is the only judgment that matters in the end. Therefore, we ought to be careful how we judge others and even how we judge ourselves. We ought to strive to understand how God sees us, and to act accordingly.
“Mark Them Which Cause Divisions”
Paul warned us to avoid people who cause contention or deceive people. The Savior taught that we should continue to love them, minister to them, and pray for them, but don't make them your mentor. Don't trust them to be your teacher. Be careful.
Be Not Faithless, but Believing
Jesus wants us to believe the testimony of other people. He chastised the apostles for not believing witnesses of His resurrection. He praised Alma for believing the words of Abinadi. We too can listen to the testimony of others with a believing heart.
The Eleventh Hour
One message of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard is that it's never too late for us. God is not only willing to bless us, He is eager to do so. He loves us and delights in extending grace to us, especially when we don't think we deserve it.