Testimony
To read real testimonies by Mormons, go to Mormon Testimonies
By the simple dictionary definition, a testimony is “an open declaration or profession, as of faith,” and Mormons believe that also. But they also believe that a testimony is something more inward than that as well. An individual’s faith and their beliefs is also a testimony, and these are gained through prayer and study. Not through the individual’s own study alone, but because Heavenly Father bestows the testimony as a gift of truth upon those who seek it earnestly.
To seek a testimony is to begin with an earnest desire to know the truth. Mormons ask investigators of the Church to read the Book of Mormon and seek out a testimony about it, as the Lord will always verify for us if things are true, if we truly wish to know. We must go forth, wanting to believe in that which seems good to us. A Mormon would desire a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, prophets, the Book of Mormon, and other precepts of the gospel. It is not enough, it is not satisfying, simply to go to church and listen to others speak. The need, the desire to know the truth for oneself is essential.
After the desire is felt, faith is the next step. To only wish to know the truth is insufficient. We must have faith that God will give the truth unto us through His Spirit. We must pray, in that full earnestness of heart, to Heavenly Father, asking Him about the truth of such things as the Gospel and the Book of Mormon. In Mormon belief, God will answer the earnest prayer, always. If it is true, He will answer, through the Spirit, with a warmth of heart and soul. Answers may also come in feelings, in knowledge felt in the mind, or a “still, small, voice.” But truth will always be confirmed with comfort, peace, and happiness, as well as a greater understanding.
To gain a testimony is essential for members or would-be members of the Mormon Church. It is a privilege to know for ourselves what is true, instead of relying on what others say. We have the privilege of having our own convictions about and in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Mormon, in chapter 32 of Alma, tells us how further to gain a testimony, strengthen it, and keep it strong. To have faith isn’t to “have a perfect knowledge of things;” but, rather, it is to have a “hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” A testimony is not a complete knowledge—the complete knowledge is known only to God, for He is God. But He will guide us into truth and greater truth and sustain our hope against that which we can’t know for certain in the empirical sense. We may not see God, but we know of His presence.
Our testimonies grow throughout our lifetimes if we keep them fed through study of the scripture, prayer unto Heavenly Father, and obedience to all He would have us do, for our own happiness. The Spirit of the Lord will dwell with us in obedience and strengthen our beliefs while we live them.
Indeed, a strong testimony must be lived. Those in Mormonism believe that a testimony prompts us to love each other, to serve each other, and constantly strive to become better and closer to Christ. Those with strong testimonies will also swiftly desire to repent of their sins, as they know immediately when they have sinned against their beliefs, convictions, and against God.
Mormons set aside the first Sunday of every month as a “fast Sunday.” On this day, Mormons, for religious purposes, abstain from food, or fast. During the Church’s sacrament meeting, any member has the opportunity to stand up, voluntarily, and share their testimonies with the congregation. This is meant to strengthen the person sharing the testimony, as well as strengthen all who listen, and the Spirit of the Lord is invited by the act.