As a student at BYU, I have the privilege of taking religion courses at part of my general education requirements. I am currently taking a Book of Mormon class. Before each class we are assigned to read a couple chapters from the Book of Mormon. During this past week I read in 1 Nephi, chapter 8, where Lehi, a prophet, has a vision of the tree of life. In this vision, Lehi sees the tree of life and eats of its fruit. He says this fruit fills his soul with “exceedingly great joy” and he immediately begins to look around for his family so they can also eat of the fruit. He sees his part of his family not far from the tree and calls them to come and eat of the fruit with him.
While I was reading this passage I was really struck by how immediately after tasting of the fruit, Lehi wanted to share of its goodness
Lehi desired to share the happiness he found
with those he loved. This is often true for us, how often do we find a new favorite band, or favorite recipe, and right away want to share it with our friends and family? Later on in 1 Nephi, we learn that the fruit represents the gospel of Christ. So when Lehi tasted of the fruit, it symbolizes his belief and acceptance of the gospel of Christ. Once you have tasted, or felt of its power and goodness, you really want to share it with those you love and care about. Two of Lehi’s sons refuse to come and eat of the fruit, and at the end of the chapter we read how Lehi, “exhorted them with all the feeling of a tender parent”. Lehi wanted nothing more than for all of his children to accept the gospel and be as happy and filled with job as he was.
Often when we feel the power of the gospel, our circle of people we want to share the gospel grows to the point that we want to share it with everyone we come in contact with. We wish for everyone, everywhere to feel of Christ’s love. I believe this is why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, (also known as the Mormon Church) spends so much time and effort on missionary work and councils the young men and women to spend two years of their lives on missions sharing the gospel. Once you’ve felt of the happiness the gospel brings, you know that it could make so many more people happy, you simply want to share the news. I’ve felt the love of Jesus Christ in my life, and I wish that all of my family, friends, and even those I do not know could feel it as well. Nothing brings me more joy, nothing makes me happier than the gospel of Christ and knowing how much He loves and cares for me.
Article written by JeriAnn W
Additional Resources:
Recent Comments