In just a few chapters we discover a treasure of spiritual wisdom: the sacred baptismal covenant, the inexorable justice of God, the means whereby the chastened can look forward to deliverance, and the compassion of the Lord in gathering the faithful out of bondage. There are many great lessons that can be learned from these passages and just as many questions of conscience we might ask ourselves.
Do we remember our baptismal covenants and the obligation of renewing them weekly? Review them carefully in Mosiah 18:8–9, Moroni 6:1–4, and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, as well as the many scriptures concerning discipleship, i.e., 3 Nephi 5:13; John 13:34–35; Matthew 25:40; and Doctrine and Covenants 88:81, to name a few. What does it mean to stand as a witness? (see Mosiah 18:9). How do we put ourselves in bondage? (compare the stories of Limhi and Alma and the instrumentality of ultimate deliverance.) As leaders, are we worthy of people’s trust? (see Mosiah 23:14).