In chapter l4 Zeezrom is now facing the consequences of the lies to the people before his conversion. We learn first that there are many who believe his words, who repent and begin studying the scriptures.

[vs. 2] but the more part of them were desirous that they might destroy Alma and Amulek.

In [vs. 6] Zeezrom was astonished at the words which had been spoken; and he also knew concerning the blindness of the minds, which he had caused among the people by his lying words; and his soul began to be harrowed up under a consciousness of his own guilt; yea, he began to be encircled about by the pains of hell."

[vs. 7] And it came to pass that he began to cry unto the people, saying: Behold, I am guilty, and these men are spotless before God, And he began to plead for them from that time forth; but they reviled him, saying: Art thou also possessed with the devil? And they spit upon him, and cast him out from among them, and also all those who believed in the words which had been spoken....."

I can only imagine Zeezrom's pain when he realized what his actions have caused and that so many are lead away from the teaching for Christ because of him and that he cannot easily repair the damage.

In Chapter l5:3 we find that Zeezrom lay sick at Sidom ...which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind on account of his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and Amulek were no more; and he supposed that they had been slain because of his iniquity. And this great sin, and his many others sins, harrow up his mind until it did become exceedingly sore, having no deliverance; therefore he began to be scorched with a burning heat."

When he learned that Alma and Amulek had not been killed he asked that they come to him. And Alma asked him:

[vs. 6] - Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?

[vs. 8] - If thou Believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed

[vs. 9] - Zeezrom tells him "Yea, I believe according to thy words"

[vs.l0] - Alma prayed in his behalf

[vs.11] - Zeezrom is healed - his illness was both physical and mental

[vs.l2] - Zeezrom is baptized and began from that time forth to preach unto the people.

Part of the forgiveness process is not only asking for forgiveness which can only come from the Savior but then we must exercise faith that He has forgiven us, that His Atonement was for us, and that if He is willing to forgive us that we need to forgive ourselves.

One of the difficult parts of sin is the realization that not only did you sin, but the sin that you committed was pain for the Savior, who'd had committed no sins. The Savior knew we would sin and because of His love for us and wanting us to be able to return to the Father, He was willing to pay the price.

One of the ways that we can repay him - although it is impossible to repay such a price - and He doesn't want us to. But we can devote ourselves to Him, to teaching His gospel to others so that they too can experience the joy that can come from repentance and that they can also understand who has given them this opportunity. Zeezrom experienced both the physical and mental pain that comes from sin - but he also experienced the joy from repentance and being forgiven.

Of course, there are other examples - both Alma the Elder and Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah who experienced the joy of repentance.

(c)Alice Gifford, All Rights Reserved

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