“Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Alma 36:24)
This verse from the Book of Mormon captures the deep transformation and dedication of Alma the Younger, a man who, after experiencing a miraculous conversion, devoted his life to the service of the Lord. His words resonate with deep commitment and an earnest desire to share the joy of the Gospel with others.
Alma speaks of labouring “without ceasing.” This phrase highlights the relentless effort and unwavering dedication required in the service of God. Alma’s transformation was not a momentary change but a lifelong commitment. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we are also called to labour diligently in our callings, whether they be in missionary work, service, or personal ministry. The Saviour Himself exemplified this tireless labour. In His ministry, Jesus Christ went about doing good, healing the sick, teaching the Gospel, and ultimately sacrificing His life for our redemption. We are reminded in Matthew 9:37-38, “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Our labours may not always be easy, and we may face different types of challenges and opposition. However, it is through our perseverance and dedication that we can bring souls unto repentance and help them experience the same joy we have found in the Gospel.
President Russell M. Nelson has often spoken about the joy that comes from living the Gospel. He said “the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives” (Joy and Spiritual Survival, October 2016).
Alma’s desire to bring souls unto repentance reflects the core of the Saviour’s mission. Repentance is a gift, a divine invitation to change, to turn away from sin and towards God. It is through repentance that we can be cleansed of our sins and made worthy to return to our Heavenly Father.
In Luke 15, we read the parable of the prodigal son, a powerful account concerning repentance and the boundless mercy of Heavenly Father. The prodigal son, having squandered his inheritance, returns to his father in humility and repentance. His father, filled with compassion, runs to him, embraces him, and celebrates his return. This parable teaches us that no matter how far we may stray, our Heavenly Father is always ready to welcome us back with open arms. As disciples of Christ, we have the sacred responsibility to invite others to come unto Christ and partake of the blessings of repentance. Like the father of the prodigal son, we must do so with love, patience, and understanding, recognising that each soul is precious in the sight of God.
Alma speaks of the “exceeding joy” he tasted through his conversion. This joy is a deep spiritual state, a taste of the divine happiness that comes from being in harmony with God’s will. It is the joy that comes from knowing we are forgiven, from feeling the love of our Saviour, and from being filled with the Holy Ghost.
In John 15:11, Jesus Christ says, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” The fullness of joy promised by the Saviour is available to all who follow Him, repent of their sins, and live according to His teachings. We should keep in mind that this joy is not fleeting or dependent on external circumstances. It is a deep and abiding joy that sustains us through trials and challenges. It is the joy that Alma wished to share with all, that they too might be “born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.”
To be “born of God” is to undergo a spiritual rebirth, to become new creatures in Christ. This rebirth is made possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ. In John 3:3, Jesus teaches, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This spiritual rebirth involves a genuine change of heart, a transformation of our desires, and a commitment to follow the Saviour and the Commandments. It is through this process that we become true disciples of Christ, filled with His love and guided by the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is a gift from God, a divine companion that provides comfort, guidance, and inspiration. It is through the Holy Ghost that we receive a testimony of the truth, that we are sanctified, and that we are strengthened to endure the trials of life.
In Moroni 10:5, we read, “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” The Holy Ghost is essential in our journey of faith, helping us to discern truth, feel God’s love, and stay on the path of righteousness.
As we reflect on Alma 36:24, we are reminded of the impact that the Gospel can have on our lives and the lives of those around us. Like Alma, we are called to labour without ceasing, to bring souls unto repentance, to help others taste of the exceeding joy of the Gospel, and to guide them to be born of God and filled with the Holy Ghost.
May we each take to heart Alma’s example of dedicated service and divine love. Let us be steadfast in our efforts, filled with the joy of the Gospel, and ever mindful of the sacred trust we have to share this joy with others. As we do so, we will not only draw nearer to our Saviour but also help others find the path to eternal life and divine joy.
