Testimony

Testimony
A testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy
Ghost. The foundation of a testimony is the knowledge that
Heavenly Father lives and loves us; that Jesus Christ lives,
that He is the Son of God, and that He carried out the infinite
Atonement; that Joseph Smith is the prophet of God who was
called to restore the gospel; that we are led by a living
prophet today; and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday
Saints is the Savior’s true Church on the earth. With this
foundation, a testimony grows to include all principles of the
gospel.
Obtaining and Strengthening a Testimony
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, you have the sacred opportunity and responsibility to
obtain your own testimony. Having obtained a testimony,
you have a duty to nurture it throughout your life. Your happiness
in this life and throughout eternity depends largely on
whether you are “valiant in the testimony of Jesus” (D&C
76:79; see also verses 51, 74, 101). As you work at this process,
remember the following principles:
The quest for a testimony begins with a righteous, sincere
desire. Your Heavenly Father will bless you according to the
righteous desires of your heart and your efforts to do His
will. Speaking to a group of people who did not yet have testimonies
of the gospel, Alma taught: “If ye will awake and
arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words,
and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more
than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until
ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of
my words” (Alma 32:27).
Testimony comes through the quiet influence of the Holy
Ghost. The results of a testimony can be miraculous and life
changing, but the gift of testimony usually comes as a quiet
assurance, without spectacular displays of God’s power.
Even Alma, who had been visited by an angel and had seen
God sitting on His throne, needed to fast and pray so he
could receive a testimony through the power of the Holy
Ghost (see Alma 5:45–46; 36:8, 22).
Your testimony will grow gradually through your experiences.
No one receives a complete testimony all at once. Your testimony
will grow stronger through your experiences. It will
expand as you show your willingness to serve in the Church,
wherever you are called. It will increase as you make decisions
to keep the commandments. As you lift and strengthen
others, you will see that your testimony continues to develop.
As you pray and fast, study the scriptures, attend Church
meetings, and hear others share their testimonies, you will be
blessed with moments of inspiration that will bolster your
testimony. Such moments will come throughout your life as
you strive to live the gospel.
Your testimony will increase as you share it. Do not wait for
your testimony to be fully developed before you share it. Part
of a testimony’s development comes when it is shared. In
fact, you will find that when you give what you have of your
testimony, it will be returned to you—with increase.
Testimony Bearing
In fast and testimony meetings and in conversations you
have with family members and friends, you may feel
prompted to share your testimony. In such instances, remember
that you do not need to share a long, impressive discourse.
Your testimony will be most powerful when it is
expressed as a brief, heartfelt conviction about the Savior,
His teachings, and the Restoration. Pray for guidance, and the
Spirit will help you know how to express the feelings in your
heart. You will find great joy as you help others share in the
hope and assurance the Lord has given you.
Additional references: John 7:17; 1 Corinthians 2:9–14; James 1:5–6;
Moroni 10:3–5; D&C 6:22–23; 62:3; 88:81
See also Atonement of Jesus Christ; Fasting and Fast Offerings; God the
Father; Holy Ghost; Prayer; Revelation; Spiritual Gifts