Alma's people were terrified by the Lamanites, but Alma knew that perfect love casteth out all fear (Moroni 8:16). He knew that whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day (v. 22). These weren't idle words, but codes to live by. Accordingly, Alma faced the Lamanites without fear, and negotiated an arrangement by which his people would be free (v. 36). The Lamanites, of course, broke their promise and oppressed Alma's people (v. 37).