Towards the Tree of Life • Book of Mormon Online

Alma 32:36

This is not the end; faith is still required despite determining that the seed is good.

Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good.

Alma 32:37

As the seed grows into a tree, it requires nourishing to take root and bear fruit.

And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say:

“Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us.”

And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.

Alma 32:38

Neglecting the tree will prevent it from taking root, and cause the tree to wither and die.

But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.

Alma 32:39

The death of the tree—and the consequent lack of fruit—is not a reflection on the quality of the seed, but rather a consequence of barren soil and malnourishment.

Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.

Alma 32:40

Failure to nourish the word prevents the reaping of the fruit of the tree of life.

And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.

Alma 32:41

Careful, patient attention to the tree as it grows up will enable it to spring up unto everlasting life.

But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.

Alma 32:42

Diligent care of the tree will cause it to take root and bear precious fruit, the feasting upon which will satisfy all hunger and thirst.

And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.

Alma 32:43

Diligence, patience, and long suffering are rewarded by the reaping the fruit of the tree.

Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long–suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.