What does this chapter teach me about God's relationship with His children?
What does this chapter teach me about my Savior?
How can I use the principles and examples from this chapter to improve my own relationship with the Savior and my Heavenly Father?
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO PONDER
Reread verses 14-17. In verse 17, Alma teaches that "the Lord will be merciful unto all who call on his name." What can we learn from the example given of the Lord's mercy toward the Lamanites, despite their wickedness?
In verses 20-23, Alma essentially teaches the principle that "Where much is given, much is required." What specific blessings have you been given? What might the Lord expect from you with regards to these blessings?
I attended the recognition fireside last Sunday night and Peter Vidmar spoke of God expecting more of him because he had the gospel. I think God does expects more of us when we know better. But we also have the blessings of living the gospels and avoiding the pitfalls that exist in the world without that knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI have come to the point in my life that I am glad that he expects more of me because I am so much happier when I follow his plan rather than mine. I don't envy those that break the commandments. I feel so blessed to know how to be happy even amidst my trials.
I completely agree with Karen's comments and feel the same way. Right now in my life, I also don't really feel burdened by the Lord's expectations of me because when I do my best to live up to them, the rewards of joy and peace I feel are absolutely priceless. In this context, the word "Expectations" is really just another word for "Fabulous blessings and opportunities to roll around in all the love and joy that Heavenly Father has to offer." The trick is to properly and gratefully perceive the Lord's expectations that way, to be patient with ourselves when we make mistakes, and to rely on the Savior to help us meet those expectations. Life is such a journey and we can't arrive at perfection in one day, neither can we do it alone. But if we keep the commandments, with the Spirit guiding us, and through the Savior's Atonement, we can and will get there in the Lord's appointed time. I love that! It's so energizing!
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