Testimony Case

Testimony

A testimony is a powerful possession and a generous gift when implemented properly in our lives. A testimony can generate the desire for another to obtain a testimony and it can strengthen the testimony that another already possess. Because it such a simple tool that can potentially change someone's life, two basic principles should be followed while bearing a testimony: it should be a clear and concise declaration of your beliefs, as well as it should not be an incessant and redundant proclamation of gratitude.

The first prophet of the dispensation, Joseph Smith, has given us a perfect example of how to truly bear testimony through the Spirit:

"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father--That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God" (D&C 76:22-24).

Just as Joseph Smith bore simple testimony of Jesus Christ, we must also take into consideration how we should properly bear our own testimonies.

For those of us who are aware of how to bear testimony should know that there should be a short declaration of your faith in the Lord and sharing a short and sweet point of how your testimony has grown into an absolute truth where it should be clear and simple to others. The feeling that comes while hearing someone else's testimony is a difficult thing to describe. Sometimes, we may refer to it as a sweet, comforting feeling, and sometimes it can seem like a tug on our heart strings as their words move our spirits and leave a lasting impression on our souls. It is a sweet experience to see family and close friends bear their testimonies, and to see that love they have for the Lord in every facet of their being.

Elder M. Russell Ballard gave a talk in General Conference of 2004 where he emphasized the importance of the rarity we posses by being a member of this Church. It is even rarer and more "precious" to have a "testimony that God our Heavenly Father lives; that His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer; and that priesthood authority to administer the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored once again upon the earth." If we have such a valuable and unique thing as a testimony, a real diamond in the ruff, we should bear it often and well so we can solidify statements like this into our hearts, minds and souls.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke in the October 2006 session about how we are sensitive to the nature of a testimony through our various experiences that help us come to realize how God