Alma's Confidence in Corianton

Alma’s words to Corianton in Alma 39 were straightforward, and they sent a clear message to Corianton of his father’s disappointment with his actions.  I’m impressed, though, with the confidence that Alma showed to Corianton at the very end of Alma 42.  He told his wayward son, “And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people…. Go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness” (Alma 42:32).  This was the son that had just caused great problems to the missionary work among the Zoramites, but Alma still showed trust and great confidence that Corianton would change and could still be a successful missionary. In the very next verse we read that “the sons of Alma did go forth among the people, to declare the word unto them” (Alma 43:1).  There’s no reason to believe that Corianton wasn’t one of those.  I think that Alma’s own experience as a wayward youth who repented and turned his life around helped him to focus on Corianton’s potential instead of his sins.  Later on we see that Corianton continued faithful, for he was still declaring the word to the Church with his brothers a couple years later (Alma 49:30).  Alma followed the counsel the Lord gave to Joseph Smith, “reproving… with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved” (D&C 121:43).  He did reprove Corianton sharply, but then showed great love towards him by believing still in his ability to serve the Lord and contribute to His work.