"Yea and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy to which I did taste; that they might also be born of God and be filled with the Holy Ghost."This scripture gives me a much needed shift in my attitude towards missionary work. It declares that preaching repentance is about wanting those around you to experience joy.
I have always thought missionary work to be good, but I have felt that it is more about giving knowledge. The transfer of knowledge takes time, and I feel the potential for me to speak too much or to come across as high and mighty is definitely there. But, if I simply bear my testimony of Jesus Christ and the joy that comes from the Atonement through my deeds as well as my words perhaps I would not overwhelm them or me.
When I was younger, I viewed any reference to repentance as reprimand. I felt the goal was to live life so that one didn't need to do that thing that sinners have to do...repent. As I have experienced more of life and repentance myself, I can say along with Alma that repentance equals joy.
