Q&A

How do I strengthen my testimony by bearing it when I have such a hard time being in front of people?

PHotograph from Getty Images

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then-Second Counselor in the First Presidency, gave four suggestions on how to strengthen your testimony:

1. “Search the word of God.

2. “Fearlessly strive to believe.

3. “Ask with a sincere heart and with real intent, having faith in Christ.

4. “Put gospel doctrine and Church teachings to the test in your own life.”

Remember: “The process of gathering spiritual light is the quest of a lifetime.”

From President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then-Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth,” Oct. 2014 general conference.

Find Ways to Bear Your Testimony

There are other ways to bear your testimony besides being in front of a crowd, and it doesn’t have to be dramatic. A few examples could include providing small acts of service, participating in spiritual musical performances, or having small missionary-like conversations with your friends at school. Anything that helps spread the love of Jesus Christ and invites others to come to Him will strengthen your testimony.

Will P., 16, Virginia, USA

Write Your Testimony

I think you can strengthen your testimony without standing in front of people by writing it down. For example, you can write your testimony in your journal. This gives you something to look at over time and you can add to it as your testimony grows. As you grow older, you can then see how much your testimony has grown.

Andrew T., 14, Minnesota, USA

Find Strength through the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost can prompt you to share your testimony when it may seem the hardest. Bearing your testimony to your close friends and family is an important way that can help your own testimony and the testimonies of those around you grow. Never miss an opportunity to share your beliefs when the Holy Ghost prompts you to do so. Rely on the Spirit, and those around you will feel it too.

Annika M., 14, Kentucky, USA

Listen to Others Bear Their Testimonies

I had a really rough time when I didn’t have as strong a testimony as I wanted to. I was scared that I would fall away from the Church, and it sent me into a pattern where I did not want to come to church. However, at a baptism, somebody bore their testimony that they had followed the path that Church leaders and their parents had set out for them, and they eventually gained a testimony of their own. This helped me a lot, and now I love to go to church.

Kaden W., age, Utah, USA

Responses are intended for help and perspective, not as official pronouncements of Church doctrine.

Think about It

I’m afraid that if I confess a sin to the bishop, I might lose some of the privileges and respect I have. What should I do?

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