Alma — Chapter 38
Alma’s commandments to his son Shiblon.
1 My son, listen to my words, because I tell you, just as I told Helaman, if you keep God’s commandments, you will prosper in the land. If you do not keep God’s commandments, you will be cut off from him.
2 My son, I trust I will be happy because of you, because you have been so good and faithful to God. Just as you have begun as a young man to look to God, I hope you will keep on obeying his commandments, because people who endure to the end will be blessed.
3 I tell you, my son, you have already made me very happy because of your faithfulness and hard work and patience with the Zoramites.
4 I know you were tied up, and I know you were stoned for teaching the gospel. You were patient about these things because the Lord was with you, and now you know the Lord saved you.
5 Now, my son Shiblon, I want you to remember that the more you trust in God, the more he will help save you from your tests and troubles and pain, and you will live with him at the last day.
6 My son, I don’t want you to think that I know these things all by myself. God’s Spirit helped me know them. If I had not been born of God, I would not have known these things.
7 The Lord in his great mercy sent his angel to tell me to stop destroying his people. Yes, I have seen an angel face to face, and he spoke with me. His voice was like thunder, and it made the earth shake.
8 For three days and three nights I felt the most awful pain and guilt in my soul. I was not forgiven for my sins until I cried to the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy. But I did cry to him, and he gave my soul peace.
9 My son, I have told you this so you will be wise, and so you will learn from me that there is no other way for people to be saved except through Christ. He is the life and light of the world. He is the word of truth and righteousness.
10 Now, I want you to keep on teaching the gospel just as you have begun to teach it. Work hard and be careful in all things.
11 Make sure you are not proud. Don’t boast about how smart you are, or about how very strong you are.
12 Be bold, but be kind to people. Make sure you control yourself so you will be filled with love. Don’t be lazy.
13 Don’t pray the way the Zoramites do. You have seen that they pray so other people will hear them and think they are so smart.
14 Don’t say: “O God, I thank you that we are better than our brothers and sisters.” Say instead: “O Lord, forgive me for not being worthy, and bless my brothers and sisters.” Yes, always tell God you are not worthy.
15 May the Lord bless your soul and let you live with him in peace at the last day. Now go, my son, and teach the gospel to this people. Be serious. Goodbye, my son.
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