Daily Answers: A better understanding of works and grace

I love the insight I gain by asking a question in prayer to begin my personal scripture study. Today the question which came to my mind and heart was, "What can I understand more about 'works'?" Not once in Alma 13 is the word "works" used and the word "work" is used only once, but by focusing the lens of my studying on my question, I gained a better understanding of works and grace.

Action words are what we must do--our works. Some of the action words and phrases I noted in Alma 13 are "choose good," "exercise exceeding faith," "repent," "cast off your sins," "humble yourselves," "call on his holy name," "watch and pray continually." As we do, we receive the grace of God. Alma explains how that happens. "...and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering. Having faith on the Lord, having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest" (Alma 13:28-29). Notice how as we choose good, humble ourselves, call on his holy name, repent, we are led by the Holy Spirit becoming humble...patient, full of love...having faith. The works and grace go together continuously, not "if, then" or "before, after." They are bound to each other as we are bound to our Savior Jesus Christ through his atonement. Otherwise we would "be bound down by the chains of hell [and] suffer the second death" (Alma 13:30).
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II'm learning that grace doesn't come after all I can do. My scripture study today helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship of works and grace and my dependence on my Savior.