4 Steps to Gaining a Testimony

Adapted from an April 2008 general conference address by Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

By small and simple things …

Ever wonder what a testimony is and how to get it? Elder Oaks explains: “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.”

He also gave four tips for how we can gain a testimony.

Desire to Know. This is the first step in gaining any kind of knowledge.
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).
Bear Your Testimony. Someone even suggested that some testimonies are gained on the feet bearing them as well as on the knees praying for them.
Partake of the Sacrament. We need to qualify for the precious promise that we will “always have his Spirit to be with [us]” (D&C 20:77). Of course, that Spirit is the source of our testimonies.