In the Allegory of the Olive Tree, when the servant's advice results in a negative outcome, the Lord of the vineyard could easily have blamed him, but he does not. Blaming is backward-looking. Effective leaders learn from mistakes but focus on the future.
Relentless
God's love for us is unwavering. Eight times in Zenos's Allegory of the Olive Tree, the Lord of the Vineyard says, "It grieveth me that I should lose this tree." Elder Patrick Kearon testified, "God is in relentless pursuit of you."
Jacob 5-7: The Lord Labors with Us (April 8-14)
1. God is patient with us as we learn to produce good fruit. 2. We can thrive even in unfavorable circumstances. 3. Strengthen your testimony to avoid being shaken. 4. We can receive revelation regularly. 5. Search the scriptures to experience peace.
Obtaining Hope
Jacob says that we obtain hope by searching the prophets and by receiving personal revelation. Hearing from many witnesses strengthens our faith and our hope and helps us align our lives with the will of God through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Trusting the Answers We Receive from God
"Counsel me not," says the Lord of the vineyard when his servant questions a prior decision. Jacob urges us to "take counsel from [the Lord's] hand." An important part of that is trusting the revelation you have already received on a given topic.
Beyond the Mark
Jacob warned us that we are blinded when we look "beyond the mark." Elder Quentin L. Cook explained that there are many ways to fall into this trap, including adding complexity to gospel truths or focusing excessively on one aspect of discipleship.
What I Learned from 2 Nephi, February-March 2024
3 lessons from 2 Nephi: 1. Participate regularly in activities which fill you with a sense of wonder. 2. The church provides structure which helps us to discipline ourselves. 3. We can give things to God, and He can consecrate them for our gain.
“Their Delicate Minds”
Jacob taught the men among his people to become more attuned to the impact of their actions on their wives and children, whose feelings were tender. God was aware, and they should be too, of the wounds caused by their insensitivity toward their loved ones
General Conference and the Welfare of Our Souls
Jacob says he obtained his "errand from the Lord" before speaking to his people, because he was anxious for their welfare. As our church leaders prepare for general conference, they also seek to align their words with God's will for our benefit.
Jacob 1-4: “Be Reconciled unto God through the Atonement of Christ” (April 1-7)
1. God loves all of His children, and all are precious in his sight. 2. God will give us "errands" if we are willing to receive them. 3. Writing in a journal can help us understand our experiences. 4. We can find solace and strength in the scriptures.