The Lamanites seemed to be unlikely candidates for conversion, yet many of them experienced miraculous changes because of Jesus Christ. These converted Lamanites called themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies.

Reading Alma 23–25; 27 might prompt you to ponder your own conversion. Look for how the Anti-Nephi-Lehies changed—how they were converted “unto the Lord” (Alma 23:6). The following verses can get you started:

• Alma 23:6–7

• Alma 23:17–18

• Alma 24:15–21

• Alma 25:13–16

• Alma 27:26–30

In what ways have Jesus Christ and His gospel changed you? When have you felt close to Him? How can you tell if you are becoming converted to Jesus Christ? What is the Spirit prompting you to do next?

See also David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 106–9; Dale G. Renlund, “Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 22–25; Gospel Topics: “Becoming like Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

The change that the Anti-Nephi-Lehies experienced was more than just a change in behavior—it was a change of heart born of faith in Jesus Christ and sincere repentance. Perhaps you could find a truth about repentance in each verse in Alma 24:7–19. What do these verses teach about God’s mercy toward those who repent? What additional truths do you learn from Alma 26:17–22?

Ponder how God has shown His mercy in your life. How can you express your gratitude to Him?
DOWNLOAD the Anti-Nephi-Lehies “Repentance is a change of mind and heart.” burying swords quiz (activity HERE or below).

• To help your children see how Jesus Christ can help us change when we repent, you could teach them about the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. To do this, you might label two bowls “before” and “after.” Then your children could read Alma 17:14–15 and 27:27–30, write down what the Lamanites were like before and after repenting, and put them in the correct bowl. According to Alma 24:7–10, what helped them change? How can we show our thanks to God for His mercy?

The word joy appears 24 times in Alma 23–29, making these chapters a good place to learn how to receive joy in living—and sharing—the Savior’s gospel. Consider studying Alma 26:12–22, 35–37; and 29:1–17, looking for reasons why Ammon, the sons of Mosiah, and Alma rejoiced. What do you learn from these passages that can lead to more joy in your life?

Elder Marcus B. Nash taught: “Sharing the gospel kindles joy and hope in the souls of both giver and receiver. … Sharing the gospel is joy upon joy, hope upon hope” (“Hold Up Your Light,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 71). What experiences have you had sharing the gospel with others? What challenges do you face when seeking to share the gospel? How can Heavenly Father help you overcome these challenges?

For prophetic instruction on how to share the gospel—and find joy in doing it—consider studying President Dallin H. Oak’s message “Sharing the Restored Gospel,” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 57–60). What suggestions do you find in his message?

See also “The Bush Family Story,” “Sharing Your Beliefs,” “Sharing the Gospel” (videos), Gospel Library.

• Perhaps you and your children would enjoy drawing pictures of things in the gospel of Jesus Christ that bring you joy. Share your picture with your children, and encourage them to share their picture with someone to help that person feel joy too.

• Help your children find the words joy and rejoice in Alma 26 and 29. What brought Ammon and Alma joy or caused them to rejoice? This question could lead to a discussion about the joy that comes from living or sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

  Alma 27:20–30

  I can help my friends live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

  • Your children could read Alma 27:22–23, looking for what the Nephites did to help the Anti-Nephi-Lehies keep their promise to never fight again. How can we help our friends keep their promises? Your children could role-play situations. For example, what can we say to a friend who wants to lie or be mean?

At harvest time, grain is often gathered into bundles called sheaves and placed in storehouses, sometimes called garners. In Alma 26:5–7 ponder what the sheaves, garners, and storm might represent in your life. How do you find shelter in Jesus Christ?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 93–96; David A. Bednar, “Honorably Hold a Name and a Standing,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 97–100; “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” Hymns, no. 102.