Alma 38

Mormon gives us what must be an abbreviated version of Alma's counsel to his young son Shiblon. Shiblon, however, is evidently not young in experience as he has already been imprisoned and stoned, apparently by the Zoramites. Much of what he says is similar to what he said to Helaman but what differs is his counsel to be diligent and avoid idleness, to be temperament, to avoid pride and boasting in his own strength and wisdom. He might be a bit zealous because Alma tells him to not be overbearing.

The words that jump out to me in this chapter are in verse 12 where Alma says "see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love." He doesn't say some of our passions or this passion or that passion, but all of them. I think each of us can think of things we are passionate about. Some passions are appropriate and some are not, but regardless, self control and discipline in our lives is important. I think we need to be sensitive to how this effects our ability to love and be loved. If we are overly passionate about our political views, this can eliminate the possibility of meaningful dialogue and understanding opposing points of view and push us into judging people of opposing views as being personally bad or evil people. If we are overly passionate about our work, this can adversely effect our relationships with our co-workers. If we cannot control our passions for sin, selfishness will wrap our sensitivity for others in chains and effecting not only our love for others but our love for ourselves.

I also think that it's important to note that Alma doesn't say we shouldn't have passions. It is good to passionate about appropriate things. But like the bridle helps us control and direct a strong horse, control of our passions heightens all of our abilities, especially our ability to love which is the the most important attribute we develop in this life.