What is understanding? Understanding is 'getting something'. It's what happens after it's been explained to you (sometimes maybe about a million times :P). It involves facts and proof until it makes sense to you.
What is knowing? Knowing is having a confident belief in something. It's what comes with a testimony. Sometimes it just clicks in your brain.
You know those little kids that come up every Fast and Testimony Meeting? "I'd like to bury my testimony, I know this church is true."
You never hear anyone stand up there and say, "I understand that this church is true." Why?
Well, first of all, it just sounds lame. And weak.
But secondly, it has to do with the definitions. So, I have a couple of questions for you.
1. Do we need proven facts and someone explaining the Church to us for us to "know" that it's true?
2. Do we 'understand' the Church to be true, or do we know that it's true?
And, a Thought Provoking Question (that I will ask in Seminary tomorrow): How do we come to KNOW that the Church is true, rather than UNDERSTANDING that it's true?
So, now that you've thought about it, here's what I think.
1. I personally do not need facts to explain that the church is true. I don't need to cross-examine the Book of Mormon with the Bible to see that it's true.
2. I know that this Church is true because I have asked. I have felt not a burning feeling, but a still, small, good feeling inside. I cried when I was in third grade after singing "I am a Child of God" for a group of ladies in a neighboring ward. I have felt the power of Christ in my life and have wept for joy when my sins have been forgiven.
So, now I challenge you to find out for yourself. I want you all to KNOW that this church is true. None of this wimpy "understanding", not for us Princes and Princesses! Pray, read your scriptures, and have a little faith!
Love,
Sally :D
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