Alma 26:31 - 26:37

Alma 26:31 Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us.

But now they assessed the results of their labors and they were able to bring far more to Christ than was their very conservative goal. They were especially gratified by the way these converts were treating each other and themselves.

Alma 26:32 For behold, they had rather sacrifice their lives than even to take the life of their enemy; and they have buried their weapons of war deep in the earth, because of their love towards their brethren.

They have gone so far as to bury their weapons of war so they would not be tempted to take them up again. They are now willing to die rather than fight because they love their brethren so much.

Alma 26:33 And now behold I say unto you, has there been so great love in all the land? Behold, I say unto you, Nay, there has not, even among the Nephites.

This attitude of these Lamanite converts is unmatched even among the Nephites.

Alma 26:34 For behold, they would take up arms against their brethren; they would not suffer themselves to be slain. But behold how many of these have laid down their lives; and we know that they have gone to their God, because of their love and of their hatred to sin.

In fact many at this point, have allowed themselves to be killed rather than fight against their attackers. We know that these folks have gone to live with God. Their hatred toward sin is that strong.

Alma 26:35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.

Now Ammon says do not they have reason to rejoice when they look upon the success God has given them? There is probably no one in the history of the world that has had this much success in the ministry. Ammon is so impressed with God and the success that was accomplished by Him by using the boys to bring the gospel to the Lamanites. To accomplish this conversion of these wicked Lamanites shows the God has all knowledge as to when the Lamanites were ready for conversion, that he planned to have just the right people to bring the gospel to them and that He even did all this because of His mercy and love for all His children.

Alma 26:36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land.

So Ammon says that if this is boasting, he will boast without conscience. Ammon is so thankful that even if the Nephites and Lamanites are not really natives of the lands they are living on, but are of the House of Israel and are in a land that is not really for them and that God is still thinking about them and how to help them, this shows His concern regardless of where they might find themselves.

Alma 26:37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.

This is certainly evidence that God is mindful of His children regardless of where they live and under what circumstances they find themselves living under. Everyone is known to Him and He is actively working behind the scenes to make sure that all have the chance to better themselves. This knowledge of God’s love for us and His working for our benefit is what gives Ammon the greatest comfort and joy in his life.