In Nephi's explanation to his brothers of the meaning of Lehi's Tree of Life dream, it is clear that they were all familiar with the concept of a tree of life. There are references to it throughout the Old Testament from the Garden of Eden through the writings of Isaiah, so they would have read or heard about the tree in their Sabbath worship. For us there are the same references and more in the book of Revelation in the New Testament. It is referred to throughout the Book of Mormon, mostly in the writings of Alma. In most cases, the fruit of the tree is spoken of as being most desirable, or that its roots are fed with everlasting water. I will be interested in knowing if it is strictly symbolic or if there remains such a tree in actual existence. Either way, I want some of that fruit!
The fruit of the tree represents the love of God. It is the most desirable of all the gifts of God. It seems that it is a dual gift. 1. We can experience God's love for us - probably the most beautiful experience we can have in this life. 2. We can love as God loves - unconditionally, unfeigned. When Lehi partook of the fruit, he was not inclined to hoard it or prevent others from receiving it, but immediately looked for his family, that he might share it. In fact, he was happy to share and saddened when those with whom he desired to share rejected the gift.
So it is with us. When we receive a gift we know is from God the tendency is to share it. When we are inclined to hoard our goods, time, skills or talents, we forget the origin of those gifts. We believe there is a limit and when we share, there is less of such things for us. When we take that attitude, the love of God and His other gifts are less available and, at least to some degree, they are withdrawn.
If we would have the blessings of God and especially the love of God, we must learn that all that we have is from Him to begin with and that we must learn to serve and share. It must be done in order which we will discuss when we get into the book of Mosiah, but our hearts must be constantly in tune with Him by sharing our bounty with others.
Moroni taught us that even if we have great faith and hope if we don't have charity then we are nothing. Nothing! We have get ourselves some of that fruit :) I like to think of it in tms of something we have to have every day, rather than something to be obtained at the end of a long journey. though it is a process to ern the gift, and especially for me righ tnow it's a long process to be humble and faithful enough in this one area of my life.... It's hard to be consistent with charity in this imperfect body but it's the most desirable gift so it's what I need the most, every day. Forgive my typos....
ReplyDeleteExactly right, Camille. If obtaining the fruit were the end of the journey, none would have left the Tree to try to obtain the G & S Building. It must be a constant effort to obtain and share the love of God.
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