Leader’s Inspiration
Testimony—Share It Boldly
Just before the Savior atoned for our sins, the Lord said to Peter at the Feast of the Passover, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32).
Peter later grew stronger in his testimony and in his conversion and was very strong in his views of the Savior and he stood by those beliefs.
He moved all the others along and we learn in the scriptures how he bore a powerful testimony of the Savior when he and John were brought before the council.
When he was asked by the council by what name he healed the man at the gate of the temple, he responded “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole” (Acts 4:10).
Peter’s testimony stunned the council to the extent that, when they conferred among themselves, they decided to let Peter and John go and told them not to mention the name of the Lord again. Once again, Peter and John stood their ground and bore testimony, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
“For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19–20).
Throughout the scriptures, many have testified of the Savior and some have done so despite the threats to their lives.
Paul was one such person who stood in front of King Agrippa and bore testimony of the Savior and taught His words to the convincing of the king. Festus perceiving that King Agrippa was being convinced, quickly remarked to Paul, “thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.” To which Paul replied, “I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth words of truth and soberness” (Acts 26:24–25).
The words of Paul as he shared his testimony touched the heart of King Agrippa to an extent that he said to Paul and those gathered “Almost thou persuades me to be a Christian” to which Paul replied “I would to God, that not only thou, but all that hear me this day” (Acts 26:28–29). The power of sharing testimonies! The testimonies of the Saints touch the hearts of people and we must be found sharing our testimonies always.
Ammon is another example of one who was not afraid of sharing his testimony of the Savior. He helped King Lamoni gain a testimony of the Savior. It is recorded in Alma 18:24 that Ammon began to speak to the king with boldness.
King Lamoni was strengthened by Ammon and what he learned from him such that he also gained a testimony of the Savior, shared what he knew with his immediate family and they were converted also.
Abinadi prophesied that the people of King Noah would be taken into bondage, the king and his corrupt priests were involved in riotous living, he laid burdensome taxes upon his people and all these was to support the way they lived. He put down all the priests that his father had consecrated and consecrated new ones in their stead, such as were lifted up in the pride of their hearts.
When Abinadi prophesied of what was to happen unless they repented, king Noah sought to lay hands on him and to kill him. When Abinadi was brought before king Noah and his corrupt priests, they questioned him on what he had said, but Abinadi spoke with the power and authority of God and bore a powerful witness of the Savior and of His works.
Even though they killed Abinadi eventually, the priests couldn’t do that until he had taught them, and he had borne witness of the Savior. His testimony eventually touched the heart of Alma, one of the priests of king Noah, who was later converted by what he had heard Abinadi say.
Alma himself went on to be a great witness of the Savior and he also shared his testimony with others who were then converted.
Nephi was another who shared his testimony despite the opposition he faced in his own family, especially among his elder brothers Laman and Lemuel.
Nephi never gave up on sharing his testimony despite what his older brothers did and said to him and because of his own good examples and righteousness, he was able to help his younger brothers Sam, Jacob and Joseph stay on the covenant path.
In the last dispensation, the Prophet Joseph Smith always seized the opportunity to share his testimony of the Savior and of the work he had been called to do. He shared his testimony till his last breath.
As he relates in his story of the First Vision, he was despised by men and much prejudice had mounted against him. He still went ahead to share his testimony “I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of the light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true . . . for I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it” (Joseph Smith History 1:25).
The Prophet Joseph Smith’s testimony helped others to find the Savior and to follow His example.
Many of the early Saints had many difficulties, but they were moved by what they knew to be true. They shared their testimonies to help others. As you share your testimony and bear witness of the Savior and His works, you touch the hearts of many, and it helps them to come closer to the Savior.
A sincere testimony enters into the heart of an individual and you may not know or see how your testimony has helped people until they later share their conversion stories.
The Savior’s work is true, and He will continue to hasten His work. We can be a part of this work as we boldly share the truths that we know of Him and how these truths have blessed us and others.
May we go forward and continue to be true ambassadors of the Savior in the name of Jesus Christ.