Study Guide for "Fruit"

In his talk, Elder Neil L. Andersen uses the metaphor of fruit to discuss the blessings of the Gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He draws upon the Book of Mormon account of Lehi's dream, in which the fruit of the tree represents the love of God and eternal life. He also underscores the challenges of staying faithful amidst worldly distractions and shares the inspiring story of Jason Hall, a faithful member of the Church who remained steadfast despite physical disability. Elder Andersen concludes by emphasizing the joy that comes from focusing our lives on Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

How does Elder Andersen use the metaphor of fruit in his talk?
What does the fruit of the tree represent in Lehi's dream?
What challenges does Elder Andersen discuss about staying faithful to the Gospel?
What is the story of Jason Hall and how does it relate to the overall message of the talk?
What does Elder Andersen say about the source of true joy?

Topics

Understanding the Symbolism of the Tree and the Fruit

Elder Andersen discusses the symbolism of the tree and its fruit from Lehi's dream in the Book of Mormon. The tree represents the love of God and His plan of redemption for His children. The fruit symbolizes the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which include eternal life, forgiveness of sins, and the opportunity to live with our families in eternity.

What does this tree with its most precious fruit symbolize? It represents “the love of God” and proclaims our Heavenly Father’s marvelous plan of redemption.

This precious fruit symbolizes the wondrous blessings of the Savior’s incomparable Atonement.

What does the tree in Lehi's dream represent?
What does the fruit of the tree symbolize?
How does partaking of the fruit relate to the ordinances and covenants of the Gospel?
How have you experienced the love of God in your life?
In what ways has the Atonement of Jesus Christ been a blessing to you?
How can you more fully partake of the "fruit" of the Gospel in your daily life?

Overcoming Challenges to Stay True to the Gospel

Elder Andersen talks about the difficulties of staying faithful to the Gospel, even after experiencing its blessings. He warns of distractions, deceptions, and temptations that can pull us away from the Savior. He encourages us to keep our focus on Jesus Christ and not to let doubts or worldly enticements deter us from the joy of the Gospel.

As we have all learned, even after savoring the precious fruit of the restored gospel, staying true and faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ is still not easily done.

Please don’t allow your questions, the insults of others, faithless friends, or unfortunate mistakes and disappointments to turn you away from the sweet, pure, and soul-satisfying blessings that come from the precious fruit of the tree.

What challenges does Elder Andersen discuss in staying true to the Gospel?
What is the warning given in Lehi's dream?
What challenges or distractions have you faced in your faith journey?
How can you keep your focus on Jesus Christ amidst these challenges?
What steps can you take to more firmly root yourself in the Gospel?

Drawing Strength from the Faith of Jason Hall

Elder Andersen shares the story of Jason Hall, who despite being paralyzed from a diving accident, maintained a strong faith in Jesus Christ. Jason's story illustrates the power of faith and the joy that comes from trusting in God's plan, even in the face of adversity.

Jason Hall heard their voices, but he did not heed them. Instead he feasted upon the fruit of the tree. His faith in Jesus Christ became immovable.

We trusted in God’s plan. And it gave us hope. We knew that Jason would [in a future day] be whole. … We knew that God provided us a Savior, whose atoning sacrifice enables us to keep looking forward when we want to give up.

What challenges did Jason Hall face and how did he respond to them?
What lessons can we learn from Jason's faith?
How has your faith helped you in times of adversity?
What can you do to strengthen your faith, especially during difficult times?
How can you better trust in God's plan for you?

Finding Joy in Jesus Christ

Elder Andersen emphasizes that true joy comes from focusing our lives on Jesus Christ and His Gospel. He quotes President Russell M. Nelson's teachings on joy, stating that joy is a gift that comes from living a righteous life as taught by Jesus Christ.

When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy.

According to Elder Andersen, where does true joy come from?
What does President Nelson say about joy?
How have you experienced joy through focusing your life on Jesus Christ and His Gospel?
What can you do to more intentionally live a righteous life as taught by Jesus Christ?
How can you better focus your life on God's plan of salvation?

Returning to the Savior's Embrace

Elder Andersen extends an invitation to those who may have strayed from the Gospel, reassuring them that the Savior's arms are always outstretched and His fruit is always available to those who sincerely desire it. He encourages prayer, faith in Jesus Christ, and continual thought of the Savior as ways to return and partake of the fruit once again.

If you have been without the fruit of the tree for some time, please know that the Savior’s arms are always outstretched to you. He lovingly beckons, “Repent and come unto me.”

I promise you that as you look to the Savior “in every thought,” the fruit of the tree will be yours once again, delicious to your taste, joyous to your soul, “the greatest of all the gifts of God.”

What is Elder Andersen's invitation to those who have strayed from the Gospel?
What does he promise to those who look to the Savior "in every thought"?
How can you better focus your thoughts on the Savior?
What steps can you take to draw closer to Jesus Christ and partake more fully of His love and blessings?
What does "the greatest of all the gifts of God" mean to you?