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How to Tell If We Have the Spirit in Our Lives

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Part 3 of the talk I gave in stake conference on Saturday, October 17.As with my previous talk, I used an outline, so this isn't word for word.

After we've done everything to invite the Spirit into our lives, we need to know how to tell if he has come or given us the inspiration we seek. We can tell by the feelings we have, because “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22–23). We also know that the Spirit “leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously . . . . which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy” (D&C 11:12–13).

When it comes to personal revelation, President Eyring told us in general conference that prayer and scripture study help us become familiar with the voice of the Holy Ghost. In a CES devotional, Sister Linda K. Burton reminded us that learning to recognize the Spirit is like learning a new language and takes time and practice.

If we still struggle, President Uchtdorf has uplifting counsel for us:
[S]tart where you are. 
Sometimes we feel discouraged because we are not “more” of something—more spiritual, respected, intelligent, healthy, rich, friendly, or capable. Naturally, there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve. God created us to grow and progress. But remember, our weaknesses can help us to be humble and turn us to Christ, who will “make weak things become strong.” Satan, on the other hand, uses our weaknesses to the point that we are discouraged from even trying. 
I learned in my life that we don’t need to be “more” of anything to start to become the person God intended us to become. 
God will take you as you are at this very moment and begin to work with you. All you need is a willing heart, a desire to believe, and trust in the Lord. . . . 
My dear brothers and sisters, if we look at ourselves only through our mortal eyes, we may not see ourselves as good enough. But our Heavenly Father sees us as who we truly are and who we can become. He sees us as His sons and daughters, as beings of eternal light with everlasting potential and with a divine destiny. 
The Savior’s sacrifice opened the door of salvation for all to return to God. His “grace is sufficient for all [who] humble themselves before [God].”
Sister Burton also asked us to be patient with God's timing in when we receive answers. Perhaps we need more spiritual refinement, preparation, or experience before we will receive guidance. We must continue to invite the Spirit into our homes and hearts in the meantime.

Part 1
Part 2
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