๐๐๐ฏ๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ข๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐?
Some days ago I was reading ๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ก๐ข ๐:๐๐-๐๐. This passage of scripture, though I have been familiar with it for many years, and have read it many times, did strike at my heart in a profound way. I reflected on my own lifeโs experiences and I came to realize with crystal clarity that I have indeed partaken of the fruit of the tree of Life. The fruit of the tree of life is a representation of the love of God. I can tell you that beyond any doubt that the love of God is real. I have felt it many times in my life from my early adult hood and still feel it regularly. Yet I also know for certainty that I have also been ashamed to proclaim the source of this precious gift. Just as the people found in the above verses.
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Have I proclaimed the love of God as I should? Nay I have not. I am here today to break that habit. I am here to tell you that within the walls of ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ก ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ you will find this precious fruit. I have felt the peace that comes from repentance from turning towards Christ. I have felt the overwhelming peace that accompanies a broken and contrite heart. These experiences were made possible for me through diligent study of the scriptures, including the New Testament, Old Testament, Book of Mormon and words of the living prophets and my baptism and faithful service within Godโs church. If you have ever โpartaken of the fruit of the tree of lifeโ and feel ashamed to proclaim its truthfulness, whatever faith you might profess, let us remember what was proclaimed so confidently and resolutely by Elisha in ๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ ๐:๐๐ โโฆFear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.โ.
I pray that we can all remember daily the importance of daily scripture study. I make a promise in my church each week to โall ways remember himโ. Iโm looking forward to checking this post, as it is so common for anyone who posts on social media, for likes and comments. Because I know that it will lead me for the next few days to โalways remembering himโ. I hope this message finds you well and I invite you if you have ever โtasted of the fruit of the tree of lifeโ to not be ashamed. To proclaim the truth of the gospel as you have come to know it in your hearts.
And if you have not โtasted of the fruit of the tree of lifeโ I invite you to read the Book of Mormon to attend a sacrament meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or to reach local missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. If you do this, I promise you, that as you come with an open mind and a willing heart, Godโs grace can and will fill you with joy and peace. I have felt this peace and know it is available.
In the name of Jesus Christ Amen
