Nephi and Paul both testified that God's love is "shed abroad in our hearts." Like light from the sun, God's love shines on all of His children. We can open our hearts to receive that love, and we can in turn share that love with others.
The Title Page and Nephi
Although Moroni wrote the Title Page of the Book of Mormon, he was heavily influenced by Nephi. In this post, I show many parallel phrases between the Title Page and Nephi's words. From start to end, the Book of Mormon has a consistent message and purpose
Made Known Abroad / Pondered in Her Heart
After the shepherds visited the stable, they shared what they had seen enthusiastically. In contrast, Mary pondered these things in her heart. We can follow both examples. There is time for both sharing and meditating, and we can find joy in both.
“A Little Lower than the Angels”
David marveled that God made us only "a little lower than the angels." Paul marveled at the opposite: that Jesus, who rules over the angels, was willing to live in mortality, placing Himself below them with us.
Numbered with the Transgressors
Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be "numbered among the transgressors." He did this in at least 4 ways: 1. He became mortal. 2. He spent time with sinners. 3. He was condemned and punished like a sinner. 4. He absorbed the consequences of our sins.
Rivers of Living Water
Jesus testified that He is the source of "living water," which is the love of God. When we come to Him, He not only quenches our thirst, He also makes it possible for us to share that living water with others.
Where It Listeth
Nicodemus was tentative and cautious. Jesus taught him that people who are born of the Spirit exercise faith. They don't have to know everything before they are willing to do something. Like Nephi, they embrace uncertainty and move forward.
The Tree
It's Christmastime, and there is a large tree in my house covered with lights. I'm sure many of you have one of those as well. As I've observed our tree, I've thought about the symbolism of trees in the scriptures, particularly in the Book of Mormon. Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, a... Continue Reading →
A Tree of Life
Multiple scriptures discuss "the tree of life," referring either to the second named tree in the Garden of Eden, representing immortality (Genesis 2:9, 2 Nephi 2:15, Alma 12:22-26, Alma 42:2-5) or to the focal point of Lehi's dream, representing the love of God as manifest through Jesus Christ (1 Nephi 8:10, 1 Nephi 11:25, 1... Continue Reading →
“There Shall Be a Place”
Does it matter where we worship? As the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years, they carried a portable sanctuary, called the Tabernacle. Their worship was undoubtedly affected in many ways by their transient state. But as they approached the promised land, God explained to them that some things would need to... Continue Reading →