Force Quote by Boyd K. Packer
“You cannot force spiritual things. A testimony is not thrust upon you; it grows. And a testimony is a testimony, and it should be respected, whether it is small or large. We become taller in our testimony like we grow in physical stature and hardly know it is happening, because it comes by growth.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: General Conference, 1995
Spiritual experiences develop naturally over time and should be honored, regardless of size.
In simple terms: Testimonies grow and deserve respect.
Key Takeaway
Respect and nurture personal spiritual growth.
Themes
faith
humility
growth
Mood
reflective
reverent
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- church gatherings
- personal reflection
- mentoring
Key Concepts
Spiritual development
personal testimony
respect
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you honor small testimonies?
- What signs of growth do you notice in yourself?
A Different Perspective
Some may feel pressure to prove their faith publicly.
![“To gain a testimony, you must nourish it step by step. '[Your testimony] will increase as you make decisions to keep the commandments. As you lift and strengthen others, you will see your testimony continue to develop.'” quote by Mary N. Cook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e80/mary-n-cook-47121_commandments_to-gain-a-testimony-you-must-nourish-it_996328.jpg)
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
