Guide to the Scriptures, “Faith,” Study Helps, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“Confidence in something or someone.”

The Pearl of Great Price, Articles of Faith 1:4

“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“In order for faith to lead to salvation, it must be centered in the Lord Jesus Christ. We can exercise faith in Christ when we have an assurance that He exists, a correct idea of His character, and a knowledge that we are striving to live according to His will.” 

“Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. It includes believing His teachings. It means believing that even though we do not understand all things, He does.” 

“Faith is a principle of action and power. Whenever we work toward a worthy goal, we exercise faith.” 

“Faith is much more than passive belief. We express our faith through action—by the way we live.”

Bible Dictionary, “Faith,” Study Helps, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“All true faith must be based upon correct knowledge or it cannot produce the desired results. Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and is more than belief, since true faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical and mental action; it carries an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for.”

Book of Mormon, Alma 32:21

“And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.”

Book of Mormon, Ether 12:6

“And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”

Neil L. Andersen, “It’s True, Isn’t It? Then What Else Matters?” General Conference, April 2007 

“Faith is not only a feeling, it is a decision.”

“Many of the quiet acts of deep faith are known only to God. But they are recorded in heaven.”

Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Chapter 6: “Seek Christlike Attributes,” Handbooks and Callings, Mission Callings, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“You express your faith through action. These actions include following the Savior’s teachings and example. They include serving others and helping them choose to follow Christ.”

Dale G. Renlund and Sister Ruth L. Renlund, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 2019, Broadcasts, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“Faith is a choice that each person must make. Faith is not just whimsically wanting something to be true and fancifully convincing yourself it is.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” General Conference, April 2021

“Faith takes work. Receiving revelation takes work.”

New Testament, James 2:17-18

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”

Necessity

New Testament, Ephesians 2:8

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

New Testament, Hebrews 11:6

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Bible Dictionary, “Faith,” Study Helps, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“By faith one obtains a remission of sins and eventually can stand in the presence of God.”

Book of Mormon, Mosiah 3:12

“For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Doctrine and Covenants 20:29

“And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.”

Book of Mormon, Enos 1:5-8

“And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed. 

And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away. 

And I said: Lord, how is it done? 

And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.”

Book of Mormon, Alma 22:16

“But Aaron said unto him: If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.”

Book of Mormon, Mosiah 27:14

“And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.”

Doctrine and Covenants 8:10

“Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith.”

Divine Intervention

Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“When times of trial come, faith can give us strength to press forward and face our hardships with courage.”

“The Lord will work mighty miracles in our lives according to our faith.”

Guide to the Scriptures, “Faith,” Study Helps, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“True faith brings miracles, visions, dreams, healings, and all the gifts of God that He gives to His Saints.”

Book of Mormon, Ether 12:27

“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”

Book of Mormon, Moroni 7:33

“And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.”

New Testament, Matthew 9:22

“But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.”

New Testament, Matthew 9:29

“Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.”

New Testament, Matthew 17:20

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 17:8

“For I perceive that ye desire that I should show unto you what I have done unto your brethren at Jerusalem, for I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you.”

New Testament, Ephesians 6:16

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

Book of Mormon, Moroni 7:26 

“And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name; and by faith, they become the sons of God.”

Book of Mormon, Mosiah 5:7

“And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.”

Peace

Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“Even when the future seems uncertain, our faith in the Savior can give us peace.”

New Testament, Romans 5:1

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Book of Mormon, Helaman 5:47

“Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.”

Wisdom

Doctrine and Covenants 88:118

“And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”

Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:4

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” General Conference, April 2021

“The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to His perfect power. But He does ask us to believe.”

New Testament, Matthew 17:20

“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

“The Mustard Seed” Ensign, March 2014

“In Jesus’s day, it was common for people to say something was like a mustard seed in order to suggest that it was very, very small.”

“Though under certain conditions it can sometimes grow to be 3–5 meters (about 10–15 feet) high or more, and just as wide.”

Book of Mormon, Alma 32:27

“But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.”

New Testament, Mark 9:23-24

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lord, I Believe,” General Conference, April 2013

“When facing the challenge of faith, the father asserts his strength first and only then acknowledges his limitation. His initial declaration is affirmative and without hesitation: ‘Lord, I believe.’ I would say to all who wish for more faith, remember this man! In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited.”

“A 14-year-old boy recently said to me a little hesitantly, ‘Brother Holland, I can’t say yet that I know the Church is true, but I believe it is.’ I hugged that boy until his eyes bulged out. I told him with all the fervor of my soul that belief is a precious word, an even more precious act, and he need never apologize for only believing.”

Obedience

Guide to the Scriptures, “Faith,” Study Helps, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“Faith comes by righteousness.”

Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“We can strengthen our faith by keeping the commandments. Like all blessings from God, faith is obtained and increased through individual obedience and righteous action.”

Prayer

Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Chapter 6: “Seek Christlike Attributes,” Handbooks and Callings, Mission Callings, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“It will increase as you search the scriptures, pray sincerely, and obey the commandments.”

“We can nurture the gift of faith by praying to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” General Conference, April 2021

“Allowing God to prevail in our lives begins with faith that He is willing to guide us.”

“Ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help.”

Study

Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“We can also develop faith by studying the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets.”

New Testaments, Romans 10:17

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” General Conference, April 2021

“Lazy learners and lax disciples will always struggle to muster even a particle of faith.”

“First, study. Become an engaged learner. Immerse yourself in the scriptures to understand better Christ’s mission and ministry.”

Exercise Faith

Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“Faith is a gift from God, but we must nurture our faith to keep it strong. Faith is like a muscle. If exercised, it grows strong. If left immobile, it becomes weak.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” General Conference, April 2021

“Act in faith. What would you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith.”

Children’s Songbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, #96 “Faith,” Music, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“Faith is like a little seed: If planted, it will grow.”

Ordinances

Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” General Conference, April 2021

“Partake of sacred ordinances worthily. Ordinances unlock the power of God for your life.”

Gospel Topics, “Ordinances,” Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“Ordinances and covenants help us remember who we are. They remind us of our duty to God. The Lord has provided them to help us come unto Him and receive eternal life. When we honor them, He strengthens us spiritually.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us,” General Conference, October 2013 

“One of the purposes of the Church is to nurture and cultivate the seed of faith—even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty.”

“It’s natural to have questions—the acorn of honest inquiry has often sprouted and matured into a great oak of understanding. There are few members of the Church who, at one time or another, have not wrestled with serious or sensitive questions.”

Dale G. Renlund and Sister Ruth L. Renlund, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 2019, Broadcasts, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“To have questions about the Church and its doctrines is normal and the root of gospel learning.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lord, I Believe,” General Conference, April 2013

“Brothers and sisters, this is a divine work in process, with the manifestations and blessings of it abounding in every direction, so please don’t hyperventilate if from time to time issues arise that need to be examined, understood, and resolved. They do and they will.”

M. Russell Ballard, “Stay in the Boat and Hold On!” General Conference, October 2014

“Others may focus on the questions and doubts they experience. Of course, having questions and experiencing doubts are not incongruent with dedicated discipleship. Recently, the Council of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated: “We understand that from time to time Church members will have questions about Church doctrine, history, or practice. Members are always free to ask such questions and earnestly seek greater understanding.”

Remember, Joseph Smith himself had questions that began the Restoration. He was a seeker and, like Abraham, found the answers to life’s most important questions.”

L. Whitney Clayton, “Choose to Believe,” General Conference, April 2015

“All of us will, at some time or another, have to traverse our own spiritual wilderness and undertake our own rugged emotional journeys. In those moments, however dark or seemingly hopeless they may be, if we search for it, there will always be a spiritual light that beckons to us, giving us the hope of rescue and relief. That light shines from the Savior of all mankind, who is the Light of the World.”

Jakob R. Jones, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Ensign, March 2019 

“When these tests arise, we can remember that it’s normal and okay to have sincere questions. The Lord loves us. As we learn to look to Him for answers to those questions, He can help us resolve our concerns and develop greater faith and testimony.”

Kyle S. McKay, Church Historian, Recorder, and Executive Director of the Church History Department, “A Sure and Certain Foundation,” April 2023, Devotionals, Brigham Young University Idaho

“Brothers and sisters, I hope you realize that having perplexing questions that arise from reasons to doubt is not a problem.”

Adam Kotter, “When Doubts and Questions Arise,” Ensign, March 2015

“Having questions does not mean you are guilty of some great sin.”

“Largely because of the Internet, it is not uncommon for members of the Church to encounter ideas that challenge their beliefs. Some members find the questions raised to be disconcerting and wonder whether it is acceptable to have a question about their faith. It is important to understand that it’s good to have questions. In fact, asking questions in faith is essential to our spiritual progress. However, sincere questions are not the same thing as doubts.”

“There is no suggestion in the scriptures or the teachings of the prophets that encourages doubt. In fact, the scriptures are full of teachings to the contrary.”

Ulisses Soares, “Aligning Our Will with His,” General Conference, October 2024

“To decisively and unquestioningly make the Lord’s will our own requires majestic and heroic discipleship! At that sublime moment, we become consecrated to the Lord, and we totally yield our wills to Him. Such spiritual submissiveness, so to speak, is beautiful, powerful, and transformational.”

Adam Kotter, “When Doubts and Questions Arise,” Ensign, March 2015

“Questions, when asked with a sincere desire to increase one’s understanding and faith, are to be encouraged. Many ancient and modern revelations have come as the result of a sincere question.”

“A sincere questioner continues to be obedient while searching for answers.”

“One problem with doubt is the intent to obey only after the uncertainty is resolved to the satisfaction of the doubter.”

“The doubter’s posture is generally to withhold obedience or limit it, pending resolution of the doubts.”

“The power of doubt to destroy faith, hope, and even family is diminished the minute one sincerely says, ‘I will do the things the Lord has commanded, whether my questions are resolved quickly or ever, because I have covenanted to do so.’ The difference between a faithful ‘I will keep the commandments because…’ and a doubtful ‘I will keep the commandments if…’ is of powerful and eternal import.”

Jakob R. Jones, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Ensign, March 2019

“Doubt assumes the very worst about ourselves and others. When we doubt, we fear that someone is trying to cheat or deceive us.”

“To doubt the Book of Mormon, one must assume the worst about Joseph Smith and everyone who gave so much to bring it forth.”

Dale G. Renlund and Sister Ruth L. Renlund, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 2019, Broadcasts, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“When you start with the question, ‘Could these things not be true?’ it leads to a beginning of faith that if nurtured grows. ‘Could these things not be true?’ is a question that presumes that it is true.”

“If we instead start with the question, ‘Could these things not be false?’ it leads to doubt. And doubt never leads to faith.”

“Doubt, unless changed into inquiry from reliable, trustworthy sources, has no value or worth. The stagnant doubter, one content with himself, unwilling to make the appropriate effort, to pay the price of divine discovery, inevitably reaches unbelief and darkness. His doubts grow like poisonous mushrooms in the dim shadows of his mental and spiritual chambers. At last, blind like the mole in his burrow, he usually substitutes ridicule for reason, indolence for labor, and becomes a lazy scholar. Doubt is not wrong unless it becomes an end in and of itself. That doubt which feeds and grows upon itself, and breeds more doubt, is evil.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us,” General Conference, October 2013

“One might ask, ‘If the gospel is so wonderful, why would anyone leave?’ Sometimes we assume it is because they have been offended or lazy or sinful. Actually, it is not that simple. In fact, there is not just one reason that applies to the variety of situations.”

“Some struggle with unanswered questions about things that have been done or said in the past. We openly acknowledge that in nearly 200 years of Church history—along with an uninterrupted line of inspired, honorable, and divine events—there have been some things said and done that could cause people to question. Sometimes questions arise because we simply don’t have all the information and we just need a bit more patience. When the entire truth is eventually known, things that didn’t make sense to us before will be resolved to our satisfaction.”

“And, to be perfectly frank, there have been times when members or leaders in the Church have simply made mistakes. There may have been things said or done that were not in harmony with our values, principles, or doctrine. I suppose the Church would be perfect only if it were run by perfect beings. God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure. But He works through us—His imperfect children—and imperfect people make mistakes.”

“It is unfortunate that some have stumbled because of mistakes made by men.”

Jakob R. Jones, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Ensign, March 2019

“One day, she encountered statements that surprised her about early Church history and leaders. She struggled to reconcile this new information with the spiritual witnesses of truth she’d experienced in the past and began to have questions about her testimony. She felt guilty for having these questions, so she kept her concerns to herself. The sources she turned to for answers only increased her concerns.”

Dale G. Renlund and Sister Ruth L. Renlund, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 2019, Broadcasts, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“As I visited with Stephen, he said that he had problems with the fact that Joseph Smith wrote or dictated four versions of the First Vision. He thought that this might mean that Joseph Smith made up his experience.”

“Now I’m really concerned about the polygamy that was practiced in Nauvoo and after the Manifesto in 1890. That is really troubling me.”

“Sadly, Stephen had chosen to be a perpetual doubter. For him, doubting pleased him more than knowing and he was digging up in doubt what he had planted in faith. As time went on, as one concern was resolved, another one was found. No matter how much anyone tried to respond and answer these questions, he found another topic on which he was anxious. He focused on the dents in the boat instead of on the capability of the boat to lead him to the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. What Stephen was doing is a form of ‘Church history whack-a-mole.”

Adam Kotter, “When Doubts and Questions Arise,” Ensign, March 2015

“Some people also stumble over statements made by Church leaders that have turned out to be incorrect, not about doctrine but in their personal opinions.”

Neil L. Andersen, “Trial of Your Faith,” General Conference, October 2012

“A few question their faith when they find a statement made by a Church leader decades ago that seems incongruent with our doctrine.”

Hugo Montoya, “Overcoming the Danger of Doubt,” Ensign, June 2017

“So-called friends can introduce doubt by asking hurtful questions.”

“Internet sites can generate doubt by presenting information out of context.”

Kyle S. McKay, Church Historian, Recorder, and Executive Director of the Church History Department, “A Sure and Certain Foundation,” April 2023, Devotionals, Brigham Young University Idaho

“Please hear me and understand: there will always be some reason or another to doubt the truthfulness of this church and gospel. There are arguments and evidence supporting the proposition that there is no God, that Jesus was just a good philosopher-teacher, that Joseph Smith was simply a charismatic storyteller and that this church and gospel are not true. This evidence, these arguments, are on some level appealing and believable, for there are many who believe them.”

“Is your foundation sure enough and certain enough that you can remain unshaken even if someone you admire in the faith makes a mistake now, in the future, or in the past? Is your knowledge and testimony of truth strong enough that you can stare down compelling reasons to doubt and choose to believe?”

“Did you think Satan would throw up flimsy, easily dismissible reasons to doubt? No! They will be enticing and flattering.”

Hold to what you do know

Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” General Conference, April 2021

“Do not minimize the faith you already have.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lord, I Believe,” General Conference, April 2013

“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! So let us all remember the clear message of this scriptural account: Be as candid about your questions as you need to be; life is full of them on one subject or another. But if you and your family want to be healed, 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.”

“Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe.”

Jakob R. Jones, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Ensign, March 2019

“Our past experiences can serve as anchors for our faith. It’s okay to hold to them when our testimonies are tested.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us,” General Conference, October 2013

“My dear brothers and sisters—my dear friends—please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.”

Book of Mormon, Helaman 5:12

“And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”

Ask sincere questions

Jakob R. Jones, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Ensign, March 2019

“We can replace doubts with sincere questions, such as ‘Is Jesus the Christ?’ ‘Is the Book of Mormon true?’ ‘Did Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appear to Joseph Smith?’ ‘Does Christ lead this Church today?’ or ‘Can I be forgiven of my sins?’ Sincere questions like these can soften our hearts as we show our trust in the Lord and look to Him for answers.”

Hugo Montoya, “Overcoming the Danger of Doubt,” Ensign, June 2017

“Rather than dwelling on negative questions, we should ask for strength.”

Dale G. Renlund and Sister Ruth L. Renlund, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 2019, Broadcasts, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“To receive the kind of answer that Joseph Smith sought, to receive the kind of answer we crave, we need to approach God with a believing heart and a mind desiring that the things of God will become known to us.”

Study reliable sources

Jakob R. Jones, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Ensign, March 2019

“A witness of Jesus Christ comes as we study His words and the words of His servants. If we desire to know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, we study the things he brought forth, including the Book of Mormon and the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. A testimony of living prophets will come as we read and listen to their words in general conference. If we are sincere in our desires, the Spirit can bear witness in the very moment we study or hear truth.”

Dale G. Renlund and Sister Ruth L. Renlund, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 2019, Broadcasts, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“Doubt, unless changed into inquiry from reliable, trustworthy sources, has no value or worth.”

“Would you ask for medical advice from a charlatan snake oil salesman? ... So why would you entrust your eternal welfare to those who are spiritually bankrupt because they have ripped up in doubt what they once planted in faith…? These individuals have walked away from that fountain of living waters and want you to trust in something that doesn’t hold water.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” General Conference, April 2021

“Stop increasing your doubts by rehearsing them with other doubters.”

Continue in obedience

Neil L. Andersen, “Trial of Your Faith,” General Conference, October 2012

“How do you remain ‘steadfast and immovable’ during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others. 

When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view.”

“When you are faced with a test of faith, stay within the safety and security of the household of God. There is always a place for you here. No trial is so large we can’t overcome it together.”

Jakob R. Jones, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Ensign, March 2019

“The Savior taught that obedience to the commandments is a prerequisite to receiving the companionship of the Holy Ghost.”

“We cannot withhold our obedience from God and then claim we’ve done our part to receive answers to our questions. Abandoning our covenants and justifying sin are the worst things we can do during a trial of faith—the time when we most need the companionship of the Spirit.”

Talk to church leaders

Jakob R. Jones, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Ensign, March 2019

“If you are struggling with questions, please talk to your bishop or stake president. The Lord can give you personal guidance through them. They love you, and the mantle they carry is real.”

Robert D. Hales, “The Mantle of a Bishop,” General Conference, April 1985

“All members of the Church can turn to their bishops when they are in need of help and can feel secure in his love for them and can have confidence in following his counsel. Bishops learn not to judge people against a standard of perfection. A bishop learns that he will rejoice with those over whom he presides in any progress they make.”

Choose to believe

Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” General Conference, April 2021

“If you have doubts about God the Father and His Beloved Son or the validity of the Restoration or the veracity of Joseph Smith’s divine calling as a prophet, choose to believe and stay faithful.”

L. Whitney Clayton, “Choose to Believe,” General Conference, April 2015

“Prophets across the ages have encouraged us and even implored us to believe in Christ. Their exhortations reflect a fundamental fact: God does not force us to believe. Instead He invites us to believe by sending living prophets and apostles to teach us, by providing scriptures, and by beckoning to us through His Spirit. We are the ones who must choose to embrace those spiritual invitations, electing to see with inward eyes the spiritual light with which He calls us. The decision to believe is the most important choice we ever make. It shapes all our other decisions.”

“We likewise must give place for the hope that we will find spiritual light by embracing belief rather than choosing to doubt. Our actions are the evidence of our belief and become the substance of our faith. We are choosing to believe when we pray and when we read the scriptures.”

Kyle S. McKay, Church Historian, Recorder, and Executive Director of the Church History Department, “A Sure and Certain Foundation,” April 2023, Devotionals, Brigham Young University Idaho

“Is your knowledge and testimony of truth strong enough that you can stare down compelling reasons to doubt and choose to believe?”

New Testament, Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

New Testament, James 1:5 

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Doctrine and Covenants 42:61

“If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.”

Doctrine and Covenants 88:63

“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

Hugh B. Brown, General Conference, October 1962, Conference reports of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“The honest investigator must be prepared to follow wherever the search of truth may lead. Truth is often found in the most unexpected places. He must, with fearless and open mind, insist that facts are far more important than any cherished, mistaken beliefs, no matter how unpleasant the facts or how delightful the beliefs.”

Dale G. Renlund and Sister Ruth L. Renlund, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 2019, Broadcasts, Gospel Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“While further intellectual information may temporarily resolve an intellectual concern, further information is not the complete solution.”

Jakob R. Jones, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Ensign, March 2019

“A testimony of divine truth does not come from an internet search or from our own reasoning. Receiving revelation requires great effort. But that effort does not consist of just using our intellect; as we study and search for answers, we need to seek the witness of the Holy Ghost to discover truth.”

“We may also discover that some of our questions aren’t so important or don’t really need immediate answers.”

“If we truly seek God’s will, we will know which questions are important to pursue now and which can wait. Amy discovered that the things she worried about weren’t relevant to her testimony and that she could wait for further understanding.”

“The purpose of our study is not to uncover every scientific or historical fact that might prove or disprove our concerns. The purpose is to provide opportunities for the Holy Ghost to bear witness of the truth to our mind and heart.”

Adam Kotter, “When Doubts and Questions Arise,” Ensign, March 2015

“It is also easy to get bogged down in searching for historical facts that may be misunderstood or lost to us now, but it is always possible to get real and relevant information from the One who understands all.”

Kyle S. McKay, Church Historian, Recorder, and Executive Director of the Church History Department, “A Sure and Certain Foundation,” April 2023, Devotionals, Brigham Young University Idaho

“Please understand, finding answers to these perplexing questions ultimately is not the solution. The solution is a sure and certain foundation whereon if you build, you cannot fall. That foundation is Jesus Christ and His gospel, the fullness of which is found and taught in this Church.”

Dallin H. Oaks, from Jason Swenson, Church News associate editor, “President Oaks Counsels Young Couples Defending the Gospel ‘on the Frontline,’” Church News, 5 February 2019

“Matters of Church history and doctrinal issues have led some spouses to inactivity. Some spouses wonder how to best go about researching and responding to such issues. ‘I suggest that research is not the answer,’ he said.”

New Testament, 1 Corinthians 2:14

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us,” General Conference, October 2013

“In this Church that honors personal agency so strongly, that was restored by a young man who asked questions and sought answers, we respect those who honestly search for truth.”

George Albert Smith, “Journal of Discourses,” Volume 14, pg. 216, Digital Collections, Brigham Young University 

“If a faith will not bear to be investigated: if its preachers and professors are afraid to have it examined, their foundation must be very weak.”

John Taylor, Journal of Discourses, Volume 20, pg. 264, Digital Collections, Brigham Young University 

"I think a full, free talk is frequently of great use; we want nothing secret nor underhanded, and I for one want no association with things that cannot be talked about and will not bear investigation."

James E. Talmage, “Christianity Falsely So-Called,” quoting The Leader newspaper, “The Intolerant Spirit,” Improvement Era, Jan. 1920, page 204.

“The man who cannot listen to an argument which opposes his views either has a weak position or is a weak defender of it. No opinion that cannot stand discussion or criticism is worth holding. And it has been wisely said that the man who knows only half of any question is worse off than the man who knows nothing of it. He is not only one sided, but his partisanship soon turns him into an intolerant and a fanatic. In general it is true that nothing which cannot stand up under discussion and criticism is worth defending.”

J. Reuben Clark, “J. Reuben Clark: The Church Years,” pg.24, Brigham Young University Press, 1983

“Truth has no fear of the light. If an individual or an organization seeks to silence doubt or questioning in the private room or in the town square it is filled with fear and its house is built on sand. And if we have the truth, no harm can come from investigation. And if we have the truth, it cannot be harmed by investigation. If we have not the truth, it ought to be harmed.”