Testimony
A testimony[1] consists of beliefs and convictions regarding the truth of the Gospel. President Dallin H. Oaks taught about testimony:
- A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know them to be true. Such facts include the nature of the Godhead and our relationship to its three members, the effectiveness of the Atonement, and the reality of the Restoration.[2]
- A testimony of the gospel is not a travelogue, a health log, or an expression of love for family members. It is not a sermon. President Kimball taught that the moment we begin preaching to others, our testimony is ended.[3]
President Oaks asked, "How does one gain what we call a testimony?"
- The first step in gaining any kind of knowledge is to really desire to know. In the case of spiritual knowledge, the next step is to ask God in sincere prayer. As we read in modern revelation, “If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal” (D&C 42:61).
- Here is what Alma wrote about what he did: “Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit” (Alma 5:46).
- As we desire and seek, we should remember that acquiring a testimony is not a passive thing but a process in which we are expected to do something. Jesus taught, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17).
- Another way to seek a testimony seems astonishing when compared with the methods of obtaining other knowledge. We gain or strengthen a testimony by bearing it. Someone even suggested that some testimonies are better gained on the feet bearing them than on the knees praying for them.[4]
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to "bear" their testimonies, or, in other words, share their testimonies, with others. There are frequent opportunities for members to bear their testimonies with friends, family, and others. One common opportunity is during Fast and Testimony Meeting, which is a meeting particularly dedicated to bearing testimonies and is usually the Sacrament Meeting held on the first Sunday of every month.
Teachers regularly include bearing their testimonies as they teach, as do speakers in regular sacrament meetings. As President Oaks noted, "The Spirit bears witness to the speaker and listener alike."[5]
The youth of the Church often have opportunities to bear their testimonies at special gatherings such as EFY, FSY, girls' camp, or youth conferences.
As Elder Gary E. Stevenson taught, "As a member of the Church, you have opportunities to bear your spoken testimony in formal Church meetings or in less formal, one-on-one conversations with family, friends, and others. Another way you share your testimony is through righteous behavior. Your testimony in Jesus Christ isn’t just what you say—it’s who you are."[6]
President Russell M. Nelson kindly counseled recently: “I plead with you to take charge of your testimony. Work for it. Own it. Care for it. Nurture it so that it will grow. Feed it truth. Don’t pollute it with the false philosophies of unbelieving men and women and then wonder why your testimony is waning.
- Engage in daily, earnest, humble prayer. Nourish yourself in the words of ancient and modern prophets. Ask the Lord to teach you how to hear Him better. Spend more time in the temple and in family history work.
- As you make your testimony your highest priority, watch for miracles to happen in your life.”[7]
The following is a video clip from the October 2022 General Conference of the Church of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles bearing testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ:
