I love these chapters in The Book of Mormon!
This was a great week in class and studying these chapters was the highlight of the lesson. I have been thinking about Alma 7:11-13 all week.
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
I have felt how powerful these verses of scripture are as I studied them. The Atonement is so incredible. As my gospel knowledge and testimony have grown I have realized how real and personal it is and what an absolute miracle Jesus Christ performed for each and every person who has and will ever live.
In verse 11 we read how Christ suffered pains, afflictions, and temptations of every kind. EVERY KIND.
Remember that bad day you had and you didn't think anyone understood how you felt? Not true, your Savior did. He knows your pain.
Remember the temptation you felt when you wanted to go back to your old ways because it is too hard to keep going on the righteous path? Your savior understands. He knows temptation.
Remember when you were sick and longed for healing? Your Savior is there, with His invisible hands comforting you.
He knows you, He understands your pain and struggles. He is there for you. Call upon Him.
Remember that day you weren't strong enough to resist the temptation? That minute you made the wrong choice and had to repent? Your Savior does. He paid the price for your sin.
Remember that hopeless feeling you had when you thought all was lost and you couldn't continue on? He does. He begged for the bitter cup to pass but when He knew it could not, He finished His terribly hard job.
Remember when your eyes couldn't hold back the tears as you sang the hymn in sacrament meeting about His crucifixion? He remembers. He wiped away your tears.
He paid the high cost of your sin so you could make amends and be forgiven. He paid the ransom so you can return to your heavenly home one day because He loves you. He suffered so one day in your heartache you could call out to Him and He would understand.
He lived, loved and served others as an example of how you should conduct your life. He lives now to lead the true church on the earth and you are His hands here. Your hands can comfort those who are brokenhearted, sick, and weak. His great example set a pattern for our lives that we should strive to follow because He is the one who mends all our broken pieces, takes the tattered edges of our mistakes and smooths our rough spots. He can succor His people because He truly understands.
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