Alma 8-12
Alma sketches Christ with heart-felt words and they captured my soul. I love his powerful, poetic description of the Savior which could be a complete gospel doctrine lesson, all by itself.
“And not many days hence the Son of God shall come in his glory; and his glory shall be the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace, equity, and truth, full of patience, mercy, and long-suffering, quick to hear the cries of his people and to answer their prayers.”
Alma 9:26
Descriptions of Jesus
A look at each descriptive word in the verse above opens the door to understanding more of who Jesus is.
full of grace; compassion, generosity, goodness, kindness, love, tenderness AND beauty, ease, elegance, poise, refinement
equity; even-handed, fair-minded, honesty, integrity
truth; accuracy, authenticity, certainty, correctness, genuineness, principle, sincerity
full of patience; capacity, willingness to endure, diligence, grit, perseverance, tolerance, restraint
mercy; benevolence, blessing, charity, forgiveness, goodwill, pity, sympathy
long-suffering; forbearing, uncomplaining
quick to hear and answer; aware, conscious, receptive, responsive
Which words about Christ stand out for you and which do you appreciate the most today? For me, it’s “grace” and “quick to hear and answer.” Especially with the added definitions: generosity, tenderness and responsive.
Takeaway
Why is it important to understand the Savior and make a study of Him?
“Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.”
3 Nephi 27:27
Following the Savior means working on our own progress and self-mastery. Maybe, look at the list of qualities and characteristics again. Which word or two are the ones you need to work on right now? Mine are uncomplaining and kindness. I’ve found it helps to write them down or print them out and post them somewhere!
May our Savior’s love reach to you and His countenance shine on you.