25 And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.
(1 Nephi 11:25)
I’ve been thinking today about this principle from Nephi’s vision: the word of God leads us to the love of God. How does it do that? Here are a few ideas:
- By teaching us the simple truths of the gospel, the word of God helps us avoid being disoriented by the noisy and confusing messages in the world, which might prevent us from feeling His love
- The word of God challenges us to do better and to be better. As we repent and align our lives with the teachings of prophets, we receive the Spirit of the Lord which enables us to feel God’s love.
- The word of God teaches us what God has done for us, including the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is the ultimate manifestation of His love.
Today, I will “hold fast unto” the word of God as contained in the scriptures and in the words of modern prophets (1 Nephi 15:24). I will remember that God’s word will help me avoid confusion, live better, and recognize the blessings He has made available to me. In each of these ways, it will lead me to His love, which is “the most desirable above all things…and the most joyous to the soul” (1 Nephi 11:22-23).