Faith

What is faith? Where does it come from?

Faith is a principle of action and power; it is the assurance of things hoped for but not seen (Heb 11:1).  It is a gift from God that is available to everyone who seeks for it.

Is faith tangible?  Can you touch it?

In Alma 32:21 we read that faith is a hope for things which are not seen which are true.  Therefore faith isn't something we can touch or hold, but rather something we feel and hope for.

What or who should we have faith in?

In order for our faith to lead to salvation, it must be centered in the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Mosiah 3:17: "And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."

How do you know if you have faith?

You can pray about it and pay attention to your choices.

What does faith do?

Your faith will lead you to good works, to obedience to the commandments, and to repenting of your sins.  It can help you overcome temptation, receive spiritual healing (through repentance and the Atonement), as well as physical healing (through priesthood power).  Faith can also give you the strength to move forward and face your hardships with courage.  Faith can also bring you peace.

How can you obtain faith?

Faith comes through obedience to God's commandments, through prayer, and also through fasting.

Once you get faith, do you have it forever?

President Hinckley once taught, " Faith is like the muscle of my arm.  If I use it, if I nurture it, it will grow strong.  If I put it in a sling and leave it there, it will grow weak." 

How can you use and nurture your faith?

Faith can be increased as your desire to be more obedient and more faithful.  You must keep your covenants with the Lord, read your scriptures, say your prayers, and listen to the prophets.

Why is faith important to you?

Faith is important to me because it grants me strength to be true to who I am- a beloved daughter of God.  Without faith I wouldn't know where I came from, why I'm here, and where I'm going; without faith I wouldn't know how to make covenants with my Father in heaven; without faith I wouldn't have served a mission, and while in California I wouldn't have known who to teach or what they needed to hear.  Without faith I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people who know, believe, and live like I do.  Without faith, I wouldn't be here with you girls.

Why is faith the first principle of the gospel?

Nothing else is possible without faith.  Faith is the foundation whereupon everything else in the gospel rests.  Without faith your testimony dwindles and you lack the ability or desire to believe in God or His Son, Jesus Christ.

Why is faith the first value listed in the Young Women's theme?

Can you believe in your divine nature without faith?  Would you understand your individual worth without faith in Heavenly Father?  Would you believe anything anyone ever taught you if you didn't believe things without first seeing them?  Think about science, history, math lessons... do you trust that the laws or principles that your teachers have given you as true?  Would you believe that your choices rendered certain consequences if you didn't believe in life after death?  Would you choose to always abound in good works if you didn't believe in rewards for your actions?  Would you have the integrity to make your own choices if you didn't have faith in who you are?  Would you remain pure and clean if you didn't believe in God's commandments?  Faith is the motivation and force behind every other value in the Young Women's theme- it is essential to your testimony and the power that drives every choice you make every minute of every day.

Starting right now, what are three things you can do to Live with Faith?