Commands and Invitations from Authority

I speak by way of command unto you that belong to the church; and unto those who do not belong to the church I speak by way of invitation. Alma 5:62

When Alma says this, it may sound like he is trying to coerce those in the church. I do not believe this is so.

Rather, he is instructing, stating that under the terms of his stewardship there are consequences that he is in charge of administering upon disobedience. There are also some beyond his administration, but due to covenants made by those in the church, Alma is acting as mouthpiece for God who will administer them. That is, they will be held accountable to God for their maintenance of their covenants with Him, and Alma is authorized to command on God's behalf. (See verse three.)

To those outside his stewardship, there may be consequences, but the administration of such is beyond his authority and stewardship.

This is why parents have authority to instruct their children when they are being raised under their care.

Bishops, as judges in Israel, have this same authoritative stewardship to instruct or command. Prophets today do the same.

What makes the command different than the invitation is stewardship and accountability -- both, however, are best extended from a way of being of love and a desire to inspire rather than manipulate.