Father’s Day Advice from Alma

Different Counsel for Three Very Different Sons

Fatherhood—it’s the long game. Regardless of the stage your children are in now, the lasting impression you leave as they look back on their lives is not based on doing a thousand things right—it is much simpler. In recognition of Father’s Day, here are the four pieces of advice a prophet named Alma the Younger gave to his three very different sons before he died. This timeless counsel provides a framework for modern-day fathers to navigate…

1. It’s Okay to Be Vulnerable, Sharing We All Make Mistakes

We recall that Alma the Younger had a rebellious, destructive youth before transforming his life. He taught his sons to acknowledge their faults without rationalizing them, showing that a man’s value is not defined by a flawless past, but by how he corrects his trajectory and takes responsibility. He wanted for Helaman to learn wisdom in his youth.

What a gift it is to know about Christ’s redeeming love for us and His Atonement. Sometimes when the unexpected thing ensnares our child, and the panic sets in, it can be more effective to take a pause, pray for guidance and peace to be able to say the hard things that need to be said, but to do so in a loving way. 

Alma shared his personal anguish over the mistakes of his youth with his first son, Helaman—a righteous son, who accepted his father’s counsel. 

“And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.” (Alma 36:3)

2. Emphasize What It Means to Have Humility

Alma advises his second son, Shiblon to “be thou humble.” Even though Shiblon is on the right path, Alma shared what it was like to see an angel face to face, and how it humbled him to receive God’s mercy after crying out for it. He encourages his son to teach the word of God courageously, but to not be overbearing, or forceful with others. Work diligently. Recognize how God keeps us grounded.

3. Accountability Is the First Step to Correction

The harder conversation Alma has is with his third son, Corianton, about grave moral failings. He stresses the importance of Corianton forsaking his sins. Despite the seriousness of Corianton’s mistakes, Alma’s ultimate message is one of hope, mercy, and redemption. He teaches that repentance works as a gift through the Atonement, allowing us this mercy so we might be forgiven of our sins.

“...Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.” (Alma 41:10)

4. Model Integrity, As There is No Surer Way to “Seeing Is Doing”

True joy comes from building your life upon the rock of our Redeemer. Lasting peace and fulfillment come by having integrity, not from worldly status or fleeting pleasures.

For all the parents doing the hard work at home, parenting littles, or teens, or adult children who are struggling with that thing that is robbing them of their confidence, you are that voice they can’t unhear. You are the arms they want wrapped around them. You are what they will remember when they are older and wiser. 

And the memories of how you loved them through it will make all the difference.

As fathers, and priesthood leaders, your examples, in and out of the home, are everlasting. Thank you for all that you do to help your family—and your ward family—find joy and peace in Christ.