5 And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just–yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them–therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.
I love this verse and believe it conveys a powerful truth. There truly is nothing that can more fully change attitudes and behaviors than the word of God. More generally, compulsion and rules may lead people to act a certain way, but without moral convictions the foundations of good behavior will be shallow and incomplete. It is only deep conviction and faith that can truly shape hearts and minds and lead one to do good out of a true desire for goodness rather than simply out of necessity.