# Alma 38

*Paraphrase*

### Alma’s Counsel to Shiblon

My son, listen closely to what I’m telling you—the same thing I told Helaman: If you keep God’s commandments, you’ll thrive in this land. If you don’t, you’ll be cut off from his presence.

I trust you’re going to bring me great joy, Shiblon, because of your steady faithfulness to God. You started looking to the Lord when you were young, and I hope you’ll keep following his commandments. Those who endure to the end are truly blessed. You’ve already given me so much joy through your faithfulness, your hard work, and the patient, long-suffering way you treated the Zoramites. I knew they threw you in prison. I knew they stoned you because of the word. And you endured it all patiently because the Lord was with you. Now you know firsthand that he delivered you.

Son, remember this: the more you put your trust in God, the more he’ll deliver you from your trials, troubles, and hard times. And he’ll lift you up on the last day.

### The Power of Repentance

Don’t think I know these things on my own. It’s the Spirit of God in me that reveals them. If I hadn’t been born of God, I wouldn’t know any of this. In his great mercy, the Lord sent an angel to tell me I had to stop destroying his people. I saw that angel face to face. When he spoke, his voice was like thunder—it shook the whole earth. For three days and three nights, I was in the most bitter pain and anguish my soul has ever felt. I didn’t receive forgiveness until I finally cried out to the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy. But when I did cry out to him, I found peace.

I’m telling you this so you’ll learn wisdom. Learn from me that there’s no other way for anyone to be saved except through Christ. He is the life and light of the world. He is the word of truth and righteousness.

### How to Serve God

You’ve started teaching the word—keep at it. Be diligent and balanced in everything you do. Don’t let pride get the better of you. Don’t brag about how smart you are or how strong. Be bold, but not overbearing. Keep your passions in check so you can be filled with love. Don’t be lazy.

Don’t pray like the Zoramites. You’ve seen how they pray to be heard by people and praised for their wisdom. Don’t say, “God, thank you that we’re better than our brothers.” Instead say, “Lord, forgive me for falling short, and show mercy to my brothers.” Always recognize your unworthiness before God.

May the Lord bless you and receive you into his kingdom on the last day, to rest in peace. Now go, son, and teach the word to these people. Stay sober-minded. Farewell, my son.

---

*Source: [The Book of Mormon](https://bookofmormon.com/paraphrase/alma/38)*
