How do we obtain a testimony of Jesus Christ?

How do we obtain a testimony of the reality of Jesus Christ?

We gain a testimony of what is real as we read the word of God in the scriptures—both ancient and modern. We learn the reality of the Savior as we listen to and read the testimonies of living prophets and apostles. We find the truth as we pray “with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ” (Moroni 10:4). We discover “the right way” as we “believe in Christ, and deny him not” and as we “bow down before him, and worship him with all [our] might, mind, and strength, and [our] whole soul” (2 Nephi 25:29).

Gary E. Stevenson, "The Reality of Christmas, " Ensign, Dec 2014, 24.

When Our Baby Didn't Come...

It’s easy to culture loneliness or self-pity as you would bacteria in an isolated dish, becoming bitter toward those who have relationships you long for, but Elder Wirthlin pointed out that “those who live abundant lives … fill their hearts with love.”

Mindy Anne Leavitt, Life More Abundant, Ensign, Dec 2014, 14-15.

The Perfect Gift

Jesus the Christ, who knew perfectly how to give, set for us the pattern for giving. To those whose hearts are heavy with loneliness and sorrow, He brings compassion and comfort. To those whose bodies and minds are afflicted with illness and suffering, He brings love and healing. To those whose souls are burdened with sin, He offers hope, forgiveness, and redemption.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Fill the World with Christ's Love, Ensign, Dec 2014, 5.

Gratitude Brings the Warmth of Summer

Gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Grateful in Any Circumstances, Ensign, May 2014, 75.

Make the Effort

Have the determination to make the effort, the single-mindedness to work toward a worthy goal, and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second effort, should such be required. 

Thomas S. Monson, "Living the Abundant Life, Ensign, Jan 2012, 5.

Complaining and whining

"Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly.
... No misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Tongue of Angels," Ensign, May 2007, 18.

Compensatory Blessings

Find the compensatory blessings in your life when, in the wisdom of the Lord, He deprives you of something you very much want. . . .
You will discover compensatory blessings when you willingly accept the will of the Lord and exercise faith in Him.

Richard G. Scott, "Finding Joy in Life," Ensign, May 1996, 25