The True Vine
In his recent talk in general conference , Elder Ulisses Soares spoke about these words of the Savior: “I am the true vine…. Ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:1, 5). In other words, if we are not connected to the Savior, we will not be able to bear fruit. Elder Soares commented, “Through this beautiful and moving metaphor, the Savior teaches that He is the true, trusted, and essential source of spiritual nourishment for our souls. Through Him, we receive strength beyond our own not only to survive the challenges of life but to grow and thrive. Through Him, life becomes more hopeful and more joyful and the fruits of the Spirit are manifested in us. Therefore, just as the branches cannot bear fruit of themselves unless they remain connected to the vine, neither can we reach our full spiritual measure unless we abide in Him and His gospel.” I have typically thought of this imagery in ter...