Alma was a shepherd in the truest sense of the word. He was the kind of shepherd who could not bear the thought of losing even one of his flock (Mosiah 28:3).
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it:
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing…
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance…
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth (Lu 15:4-10).
The affections of Alma are the same as the affections of the angels of God because both are filled with great joy at the soul that repents. His actions and ministry confirm that these are not idle words, for he had given up the judgment seat so that he could gather the scattered sheep (Alma 4:18-19). His great success was turned into joy just as the shepherd who returns symbolically carrying the lost sheep home.
Again, as we examine the ministries of Alma and the sons of Mosiah, the word of the Lord to Joseph Smith is brought to mind—almost as if it were the motto of these great missionaries: And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul…how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me! (DC 18:15-16)
LeGrand Richards
“I do not believe we could go anywhere in the world and find men engaged in the ministry, I care not how great their salaries are, who would testify that the Lord has satiated their souls with fatness and that they are satisfied with the Lord’s goodness to them, as are those brethren who bear the priesthood of God and are privileged to feed the flock under his divine leadership and inspiration. We are dealing with the most precious things in all the world, the souls of men.” (LeGrand Richards Speaks, comp. by G. LaMont Richards, p. 75)