“Let Us Nourish It with Great Care”

Church Educational System

Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Seventy, using Alma’s metaphor of cultivation, identified two aspects of nourishment that bring the blessings of the gospel into our lives: “We grow in two ways—removing negative weeds and cultivating positive flowers. The Savior’s grace blesses both parts—if we do our part. First and repeatedly we must uproot the weeds of sin and bad choices. It isn’t enough just to mow the weeds. Yank them out by the roots, repenting fully to satisfy the conditions of mercy. But being forgiven is only part of our growth. We are not just paying a debt. Our purpose is to become celestial beings. So once we’ve cleared our heartland, we must continually plant, weed, and nourish the seeds of divine qualities. And then as our sweat and discipline stretch us to meet His gifts, ‘the flow’rs of grace appear’ [“There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today,” Hymns, no. 227], like hope and meekness. Even a tree of life can take root in this heart-garden, bearing fruit so sweet that it lightens all our burdens ‘through the joy of his Son’ [Alma 33:23]. And when the flower of charity blooms here, we will love others with the power of Christ’s own love [see Moroni 7:48]” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2004, 100–101; or Ensign, May 2004, 97).

Book of Mormon Student Manual (2009 Edition)

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