Microtraining 7

How to Encourage Faith in Jesus Christ by Bearing Testimony

Define

Explain that when we bear testimony, we invite the presence of the Holy Ghost and draw others to Jesus Christ. Display and read the following statements by President M. Russell Ballard and Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

President M. Russell Ballard

Simply stated, testimony—real testimony, born of the Spirit and confirmed by the Holy Ghost—changes lives. (M. Russell Ballard, “Pure Testimony,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 40)

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

When we share our spiritual knowledge or our spiritual witness to others, we “bear our testimony.” Likewise, when others observe our righteous behavior, actions, or deeds, this also is a way we “bear our testimony.” Bearing our testimony in word or deed is a way of sharing plain and precious truths of the gospel with others. It is an invitation for others to “come unto Christ.” … Opportunities to bear testimony abound everywhere. (Gary E. Stevenson, “Testimony: Sharing in Word and Deed,” New Era, Mar. 2019, 4, 5)

Provide the following handout to students.

Sharing Your Testimony Simply and Naturally

Answering My Gospel Questions—Microtraining 7: How to Encourage Faith in Jesus Christ by Bearing Testimony

Keep it simple. A testimony doesn’t need to begin with the phrase “I’d like to bear my testimony,” and it doesn’t need to end with “In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” A testimony is an expression of what we believe and know to be true through the witness of the Holy Ghost.

Fit the flow of natural conversation. If we’re willing to share, there are opportunities all around us to fit testimony into everyday conversations. When someone asks why you don’t drink alcohol, for example, you could share how living the Word of Wisdom has blessed your life.

Share your experiences. We often talk with each other about our challenges. When someone tells you about what they are facing, you might share a time when God helped you in your trials and testify that you know He can help them too.

Stay centered on Jesus Christ and His doctrine. President M. Russell Ballard emphasized that “the Spirit cannot be restrained when pure testimony of Christ is borne” (“Pure Testimony,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 41; see also “How to Share Testimony More Naturally,” Ensign, Mar. 2019, 8–11).

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Sharing Your Testimony Simply and Naturally

teacher handout

Model

Watch or read the first part of Sister Sheri Dew’s talk “Will You Engage in the Wrestle?” ([Brigham Young University–Idaho devotional, May 17, 2016], byui.edu; time code 0:50–4:25). Invite students to look for how Sister Dew shared her testimony in a simple and natural way. After watching the video, briefly invite a few students to share what they learned from Sister Dew’s example.

Apply

Invite students to work with a partner and use the principles in the handout “Sharing Your Testimony Simply and Naturally” to respond to the following scenarios (or choose scenarios you believe will be more relevant for your students):

• A coworker asks what you did over the weekend. You respond …

• A friend shares that they lost a family member in an accident last week. You respond …

• A relative asks, “Why are you always so positive about life?” You respond …

• A coworker is confused about why you are willing to quit your job and serve a mission at your own expense. You respond …

If there is time at the end of this practice, invite one or two students to share what they learned from this experience and how they might use this skill of sharing their testimony simply and powerfully in an upcoming situation.