As I was reading in the Book of Mormon, I found a great life lesson. As Alma was preparing to go teach the Zoramites, he lists the people whom he chose to accompany him: Zeezrom, Amulek, Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and his two sons Shiblon and Corianton.
Alma has obviously developed a deep and rich relationship with each one of these people. What's interesting is to think about how those strong relationships were forged. In several cases, these would have been people who were his polar opposites:
Zeezrom: Was a bitter enemy to Alma and Amulek in the city of Ammonihah. Zeezrom was one of the principal prosecutor's attempting to destroy Alma. Yet, he began to believe and then left that city for the neighboring city of Melek where he lay with a fever until he was later healed by Alma.
Amulek: Met Alma in the city of Ammonihah after he (Alma) had fasted and prayed many days. Was told in a vision that he would meet Alma. After laboring together, it was apparent that Amulek was struggling with the loss of his family and Alma took him to his home in Zarahemla to minister to him. What a deep relationship they must have forged together!
Ammon and his brothers: When they were young teenagers, they went about trying to destroy the church. They must have been involved in all kinds of wicked activities together, until one day an angel appeared to them and altered their course forever. After laying for several days, Alma awoke a converted and changed man. These men who once tried to destroy the church, now spent their time and labor correcting the damage they had caused.
Isn't it interesting how life takes us down a path of twists and turns? We should learn to love those around us and treat others with respect and kindness (and follow the spirit). We never know who will end up impacting our life in a significant way. Maybe a person who we consider to be our enemy now, will one day be our strongest ally and friend (Zeezrom).
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