After nearly three generations of living in separate lands, the Nephites were one people again. Limhi’s people, Alma’s people, and Mosiah’s people—even the people of Zarahemla, who were not descended from Nephi—were now all “numbered with the Nephites” (Mosiah 25:13). Many of them also wanted to become members of the Lord’s Church, as Alma’s people had. So all those who “were desirous to take upon them the name of Christ” were baptized, “and they were called the people of God” (Mosiah 25:23–24). After years of conflict and captivity, it seemed that the Nephites would finally enjoy a period of peace.
But before long, unbelievers began persecuting the Saints. What made this especially heartbreaking was that many of these unbelievers were the believers’ own children—the “rising generation” (Mosiah 26:1), including the sons of Mosiah and one son of Alma. The account tells of a miraculous visit of an angel. But the true miracle of this story is not just about angels appearing to wayward sons. Conversion is a miracle that, in one way or another, needs to happen in all of us.
Conversion is personal—it cannot be passed like an inheritance to one’s children. As you read Mosiah 26:1–6, ponder possible reasons “the rising generation” fell away, and notice the consequences of their unbelief. You might also think about people you wish you could bring to Christ. Throughout your study of Mosiah 25–28, the Spirit may whisper things you can do to help them develop faith in Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we might think that a Church leader like Alma always knows exactly what to do. In Mosiah 26 we read of a problem in the Church that Alma had never dealt with. What did Alma do in this situation? (see Mosiah 26:13–14, 33–34, 38–39). What does Alma’s experience suggest about how you might approach difficult problems in your family or your Church service?
What did the Lord teach Alma in Mosiah 26:15–32? Notice that some of the Lord’s answers were not in direct response to Alma’s question. What does this suggest about prayer and receiving personal revelation?
Principles are eternal. As you read, consider how the stories and teachings in the scriptures apply to your life. For example, you could ask yourself, “What experiences have I had that are like Alma’s?” or “What truths taught by Alma can help me?”
God freely forgives me as I repent and forgive others.
Repentance and forgiveness are recurring themes in Mosiah 26–27. Look for words and phrases that teach about repentance and forgiveness in Mosiah 26:22–24, 29–31; 27:23–37.
Some people may wonder if God really does forgive them. How do you imagine Alma the Elder would counsel a member of the Church in Zarahemla who had that concern? What did Alma learn from the Lord in Mosiah 26:15–31 that could help this Church member? (see also Moroni 6:8; Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–18; 58:42–43).
Through Jesus Christ, I can change for the better.
It was obvious that Alma the Younger needed a spiritual rebirth. He and the sons of Mosiah were “the very vilest of sinners” (Mosiah 28:4). But soon after his conversion, Alma testified that conversion is essential—for everyone: “Marvel not,” he said, “that all mankind … must be born again” (Mosiah 27:25; emphasis added).
As you read about Alma’s experience in Mosiah 27:8–37, consider putting yourself in his story. Can you think of things about yourself that need to change? Who, like Alma’s father, might be praying for you “with much faith”? What experiences have helped “convince [you] of the power and authority of God”? (Mosiah 27:14). What “great things” has the Lord done for you or your family that you should “remember”? (Mosiah 27:16). What do you learn from Alma the Younger’s words and actions about what it means to be born again? What examples have you seen?
Take a moment to record some of the ways the Savior is helping you change—or be born again—even if your experiences aren’t as dramatic or as sudden as Alma’s. Is there a hymn you could sing or listen to that expresses your feelings, like “I Stand All Amazed”? (Hymns, no. 193). Who might benefit from hearing about your experiences?
Elder David A. Bednar compared being born again to the process of a cucumber becoming a pickle (see “Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 19–22). What does this comparison teach you about conversion?
See also Gospel Topics, “Becoming like Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library; “Alma Testifies He Has Been Born of God” (video), Gospel Library.
God hears my prayers and will answer them according to His will and timing.
Maybe you’ve been in Alma the Elder’s situation with a family member who is making destructive choices. What do you find in Mosiah 27:8–24 that gives you hope? How might these verses influence your prayers on behalf of others?
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
To help your children discover what the Lord taught Alma about forgiveness, you could invite them to read Mosiah 26:29–31 and count how many times the word “forgive” appears. What do these verses teach about forgiving others? (See also “Help Me, Dear Father,” Children’s Songbook, 99.)
To emphasize the Savior’s example of forgiveness, you could show a picture of Him on the cross and read together Luke 23:33–34. What did Jesus ask Heavenly Father to do for the people who put Him on the cross? After this discussion, your children could role-play forgiving each other.
Sometimes it is difficult to forgive ourselves when we make mistakes. How can God’s words to Alma help? Your children could pretend they are talking to someone who doesn’t think God will ever forgive them. Invite your children to find something in Mosiah 26:22–23, 29–30 that might help that person.
The conversion of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah could show your children that, with the Savior’s power, anyone can change. You or your children could use the paintings in this outline, this week’s activity page, and a few key scriptures from Mosiah 27:8–37 to tell the story (see also “Chapter 18: Alma the Younger Repents,” in Book of Mormon Stories, 49–52). Give special emphasis to verse 24, to teach that Alma repented and Jesus Christ helped him change. Let your children act out the story if they’d like.
I can pray and fast for God to bless the people I love.
Read together Mosiah 27:8–24, and ask your children to identify what Alma and his people did to help Alma the Younger. Have you ever fasted and prayed for someone? Share your experience with your children, and let them share theirs.
Do you or your children know someone who needs God’s help? Following Alma’s example, maybe you could pray together for that person and, if your children are able, fast for them too.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
