Safeguarding Faith and Testimony

One of the best ways to strengthen our marriage relationships is by safeguarding faith and testimony within our homes. Below is a list of scriptures that teach us how important it is to have a strong testimony. They give us instruction on what we can do to protect our faith from attacks by Satan and his followers; as well as the theories and craftiness of others who are oblivious to things of the spirit.

Scriptures

  • “Satan hath desired to have you … But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” – Luke 22:31-32
  • “the Holy Ghost … shall teach you all things … my peace I give unto you … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:26-27
  • “he gave some, apostles … and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints … That we henceforth be no more children, … carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness” – Ephesians 4:11-14
  • “hold fast unto [the word of God], they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them” – 1 Nephi 15:24
  • “ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men … feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, [and] Ye shall have eternal life.” – 2 Nephi 31:19-20
  • “I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself … for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit” – Alma 5:45-46
  • “the gate of heaven is open unto all … who will believe on the name of Jesus … And land their … immortal souls, at the right hand of God” – Helaman 3:28-30
  • “[if you] will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal [you]” – 3 Nephi 18:32
  • “I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, [and] fill your soul with joy … by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive.” – D&C 11:13-14
  • “give heed unto all [the prophet’s] words … For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith” – D&C 21:4-6
  • “strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.” – D&C 108:7-8

Lord, I Believe

In April 2013, Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland gave a speech called “Lord, I Believe“. In this talk he explains us ways we can safeguard our faith and testimony:

  • “Even if ye can no more than desire to believe,” Alma declares, “let this desire work in you, even until ye believe.”Alma 32:27
  • In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited.
  • When those moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes.
  • The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know.
  • Sometimes we act as if an honest declaration of doubt is a higher manifestation of moral courage than is an honest declaration of faith. It is not!
  • Be as candid about your questions as you need to be … But … don’t let those questions stand in the way of faith working its miracle.
  • In this Church, what we know will always trump what we do not know. And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith.
  • So be kind regarding human frailty—your own as well as that of those who serve with you in a Church led by volunteer, mortal men, and women.
  • When doubt or difficulty comes, do not be afraid to ask for help.
  • [we] need never apologize for “only believing.” … Christ Himself said, “Be not afraid, only believe,”Mark 5:36
  • Hope on. Journey on. Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith.

Safeguarding Faith and Testimony

It is obvious that we are all expected to struggle with our faith and testimony in this life. This life is meant to be a test after all. The key is to focus on what faith we already have. Not allowing questions to diminish our existing testimony. What we focus on is what our minds will cultivate, and ultimately what actions will follow. Focusing on good, positive things will always help us have good positive outlooks and actions. That is not to say that struggles, challenges, and hardships won’t come our way; however, we will be able to more easily deal with them when our outlook is positive.

Within marriage and family, there are always struggles. Maintaining close relationships with others requires work, and sometimes that work is rather difficult. Again, focus on the positive, not the negative. This is key to getting through our challenges, and not allowing them to drag us down. Often our conflicts with our spouses are just the thing we need to help us learn and grow. We can only accomplish that growth when our challenges help us grow and improve our faith and testimony.

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