Standalone doctrinal study — independent of this week's Come Follow Me block.
Today's doctrinal topic is the profound process of developing and nourishing faith in Jesus Christ through diligent spiritual effort and consistent action.
Alma 32:21-43 (Found in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ)
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/32?lang=eng
This powerful discourse by Alma the Younger took place as he and Amulek ministered among the apostate Zoramites. They had observed the Zoramites' peculiar form of worship, characterized by a repetitive prayer on a tower called the Rameumptom, and their exclusion of the poor from their synagogues. Alma specifically addressed a group of the poorer Zoramites who, having been cast out due to their indigence, were humbled and prepared to receive the word of God. Alma's teaching compares the word of God to a seed, explaining how one might "experiment upon [the] word" to cultivate faith, leading to the growth of a testimony and ultimately, a tree of everlasting life.
Alma's instruction to the Zoramites teaches that faith is not a perfect knowledge but a hope in things unseen that are true, which blossoms through diligent effort and a willingness to "experiment" upon the word. As we intentionally give place in our hearts for the word of God, diligently nurturing it through prayer, scripture study, and righteous living, it will begin to swell and enlighten our understanding, bringing a sweet and precious fruit unto everlasting life. Today, let us focus on intentionally cultivating our faith by actively seeking and cherishing the words of Christ, trusting that our diligent efforts will yield the promised eternal blessings.