The fruit is delicious: Why I live the gospel

I live the gospel of Jesus Christ because I know that Jesus Christ is real, that He atoned for my sins, and that He wants me to return to live with Him. I know that obeying His commandments will help me be happy in this life and return to Him. I haven't seen Jesus Christ with my mortal eyes, but  my faith in Him allows me to know that He is real. I also have evidence that Jesus Christ is real and that living His gospel is the way to be happy in this life.  That evidence is in my changed heart as I experience the blessings of the atonement for myself and others and as I am blessed with empathy and compassion for others. That evidence is also in the fruits of living the gospel, the sweet deliciousness of clean living. By obeying the Word of Wisdom (God's revelation on eating healthy and avoiding addictive substance), I am healthier and avoid the chains of addiction. By staying morally clean I avoid sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, and maintain respect for myself. By adhering to the modern day revelation that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, I have a stable home in which to raise my children. “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20).

This doesn't mean that those who keep the commandments of Jesus Christ are perfect and have no trials or that they will never experience the results of others breaking the commandments. And when I say I live the gospel of Jesus Christ, that doesn't mean I never make mistakes or sin. That is also the beauty of the gospel--it is a progression towards Christ. When I do falter or am affected by the wrong choices of others, Jesus Christ is ready with open arms to offer me comfort, strength, and guidance--the most delicious fruit of all.