Read the full chapter here: 1 Nephi 8
Passage #1
And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.
And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.
1 Nephi 8:7-8
Precept #1
When you pray remember that the Lord is full of tender mercy. Don’t be afraid to ask Him for some if you recognize you are surrounded by darkness – even if it’s self inflicted.
Have you ever asked the Lord to be kind to you in showing you the way to a happier life?
Passage #2
. . . and I also did say unto them with a loud voice that they should come unto me, and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit.
1 Nephi 8:15
Precept #2
Desire to partake of the fruit of God’s love more than you desire to have all other fruit.
What was the last thing you sacrificed or gave up so that you could feel God’s love?
Passage #3
And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.
And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood;
1 Nephi 8:19-20
Precept #3
Follow the path to the tree and use the word of God to help you stay on it.
When did you last use the scriptures or words of the living prophets to help you make a decision which kept you on the path or kept you from stepping off the path to the tree?
Passage #4
And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.
And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed. . . .
And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.
1 Nephi 8:24-25, 28
Precept #4
Don’t cling so hard to God’s word that the fruit of the tree is a disappointment. Hold fast to His word in a way that let’s your decisions lead you to the tree and allows the fruit to fill you with the joy it is meant to so that you do not want to leave.
Have you ever been disappointed because things didn’t turn out as you expected even though you were living gospel principles? How has this affected your ability to believe in God and trust in His plan?
Passage #5
And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent . . .
1 Nephi 8:37
Precept #5
Be tender with your children. Be tender with those you have been given stewardship for.
Can you remember an experience when you chose to respond in kindness even though you may have felt otherwise?
A Russty Follower of Christ 
Leave a Reply