Lately I've been thinking about the Lord’s command that we love him. I suddenly find this so sweet! He is not asking for us to fear him, or have a distant relationship based on courtesy or respect. He is inviting us to enjoy with him the intimate and tender relationship that in our fondest dreams we yearn for! This is what the gospel is all about. And we do love him - as he truly love us!
In counseling his son, Helaman, Alma teaches us as well, “Let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.” I love the thought of an affectionate relationship with Jesus! He said unto the Nephites, “behold, my bowels are filled with compassion toward you.” Then he stayed and blessed each one of them because they yearned to be with him longer. At the time of Jesus, the bowels were considered the center of one’s being. I think when he expressed that his bowels were filled with compassion he meant that he had great stirring feelings, unto physical yearnings of love for his people that motivated him to serve them in any way that he could.
As I experience it, to feel this kind of love for our Savior is to experience a swelling of happy joy and delight that causes our souls to rejoice and seek ever more diligently to be near him and to do his will. Loving the Lord is more than just acting out of obedience to keep his commandments. We obey because we love him, and completely trust in his love for us. We obey because when we do, we feel the joy of having him near. We obey because we know that his purpose is for us to have more light and knowledge through our experiences. As we take advantage of these opportunities to grow, the Spirit fills our souls - our hearts are one with his!
“He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit for the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his life that he may draw all men unto him.”
Everything that we love and cherish and need comes from our Lord. He is the light and life of our world, the bread of life, the living waters, the way, the truth and the life!
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
“Come unto me, all ye ends of the earth.” “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you...” “...come unto me [and] ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive.,,”
How I love this invitation! To do so is my greatest desire...
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