Adjusting to Missionary Life
Last Sunday in Sunday school we studied Alma 36 where Alma is giving advice to his sons. He teaches about the JOY repentance can bring.
We know from verses 12-14 that Alma was RACKED with guilt and couldn’t forget his past sins.
He was racked with eternal torment.
He did remember all (his) sins and iniquities that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack (his) soul with inexpressible horror.
As Alma struggled with forgiveness- even wanting to be banish to a far away place, he then remembered the atonement of his savior.
17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
I think all of us can feel overwhelmed with our callings right now. Feelings of being inadequate or even unworthy can creep in.
We are not perfect. We will always fall short and have things to repent of.
There is NO place for shame in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As Alma taught Repentance is the plan of happiness for every person.
18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.
In adjusting to missionary life we are encouraged to recognize the power of the atonement.
It says:
- “If you have repented and still feel guilt and shame, remember we all regret past sins and mistakes. Trust that Christ's Atonement is sufficient, even for you.”
Testimony:
I testify that this is true!
No comments:
Post a Comment