A Witness at All Times and in All Places

President Gordon B. Hinckley declared, “Unitedly, working hand in hand, we shall move forward as the servants of the living God, doing the work of His Beloved Son, our Master, whom we serve and whose name we seek to glorify” (Ensign, May 1995, 71).

The Lord promises to help as we do our part: “Open your mouths and they shall be filled, … for lo, I am with you” (D&C 33:8–9). “Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour” (D&C 84:85).

Sometimes we are a little fearful of sharing our testimonies, perhaps because we do not wish to offend or to be criticized. President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, tells of a time when he faced the choice of bearing testimony or remaining silent. On an airplane flight, an off-duty flight attendant sat next to him and began reading a copy of A Marvelous Work and a Wonder. Engaging her in conversation, President Monson discovered that a friend had given the book to her and that she was not a member of the Church. President Monson recalls:

“I wondered silently, Should I be forward and say more about the Church?

The words of the Apostle Peter crossed my mind: ‘Be ready always to give an answer to every [one] that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you’ [1 Pet. 3:15]. I decided that now was the time for me to share my testimony with her.”

This young woman later joined the Church and thanked President Monson for sharing his testimony. “I am the happiest person in all the world,” she told him (Ensign, May 1995, 50).

That joy comes not only to those who find the gospel but also to those who share it. Like President Monson, many Latter-day Saints have felt the intense gratitude that comes from helping bring friends and loved ones to the truth by courageously sharing their testimonies.

Some people think they need to use eloquent words when sharing their testimonies. But simple words prompted by the Holy Ghost and offered in faith and humility often contain great spiritual power. D&C 100:5–6 assures us that when we “speak the thoughts that I [the Lord] shall put into your hearts, … you shall not be confounded before men; for it shall be given you in the … very moment, what ye shall say” (see also D&C 100:6–8). Sister Anne Osborn Poelman tells of her conversion to the Church. As she met with the missionaries, the most powerful testimony was unexpectedly borne by a young elder who had been a missionary just one week. Though he was nervous and inexperienced, his convincing words were not to be confounded. Sister Poelman relates that when she challenged his statement that he knew the gospel was true, “he paused and gulped. ‘Well, Sister Osborn,’ he finally said as he looked me straight in the eye, ‘I guess I just believe it so hard I know it’s true!’ How can anyone argue with such an earnest, deeply felt testimony? I really couldn’t” (The Simeon Solution, 1995, 59).

• What blessings come from bearing testimony?

• What can you do to be ready when an opportunity arises to bear witness of the Savior and of other truths?