As Alma speaks to his son Corianton, we see a former-serious-sinner filled with service and love speaking to a current sinner.
Alma knows all about repentance.
He’s an expert.
He also knows that his son has taken a detour from the iron rod.
And he wants to encourage Corianton to make it back and partake of God’s love.
”Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins.” (Alma 39:9)
And Alma knows Corianton can do this.
Why?
Because Alma himself made that same difficult journey of repentance years ago.
But one thing Alma didn’t know?
He didn’t know that this conversation would be a positive turning point in Corianton’s life.
He didn’t know that Corianton would eventually travel the land with his brothers for many years preaching the gospel and baptizing many.
Alma was the perfect father for Corianton.
Two strong men who showed examples of not letting the lowest points in their lives define them.
“None of us should be defined only by the worst thing we have ever done.” -Kevin R. Duncan
They both used that Godly guilt and pain to push themselves into repentance and rededication.
Like father, like son.
And boy, am I grateful I don’t have to be defined by my worst decisions either.
My past does not need to be my label, my definition, or my eternal judgment sentence.
All thanks to Jesus Christ.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
