Literal is the primary object itself. Being literal is being straightforward and no other explanation. There is no symbolic meaning when describing something literally.
Symbolic can be a literal item but it has many different layers that can all mean something different. Many items can easily be symbolic of God and can be used to represent him and his grace.
EX: A tree is symbolic of God in many different ways. For example, a tree can represent family, freedom, peace, wisdom, and God's grace.
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| Wisdom Tree that's the strength for all of God's creatures. |
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| The heart is the center of us that God blessed us with. |
