Prodigalsen

I would think it helpful, to ponder Mormon's (and The Lord's) decision to include this incident in The Book of Mormon, as we have it today. Since we don't have the entirety, just divinely inspired "Cliff's Notes", I believe this is exactly what The Lord wants us to know. In this light, I won't parse the words of Alma. I believe that Mormon was divinely directed to include exactly what was said, as it was said, as guidance and warning for us in our day.

PLEASE don't give up. Even if you try and fail, and try and fail, and try and fail again... PLEASE don't give up. Hold in your mind the knowledge, that YOU are a beloved son of the Almighty God, who knows and loves you. He knows your struggles, and He knows that you can overcome them. From this beautiful scripture we learn that no matter what you've done, it is "common to man", you are not alone. We also learn that God will hold you back from falling into situations you can't overcome, so you can absolutely turn away. And finally, we learn that in temptation, God will always "make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."Easier said than done, right? I know. Try to pray, pray always, when you feel absolutely rotten, pray. Study the scriptures daily, even if only one verse, or one chapter. Finally, if you think you're still not up to the task, remember this: You, my brother, are one of the most precious souls our Heavenly Father has. He has chosen YOU (and all of us) to be here now, when things are at their worst, because He knows we can do it, we can overcome all that this world will throw at us. He created all things. He knows all things. He can do anything. If He believes in you, and He does, so do I.