See, Feel, Know, Testify

And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.


The righteous Nephites who had survived the destruction fell at Jesus' feet when He appeared to them at the temple at Zarahemla.  But He told them to arise and come forth and feel the nail holes in his hands and feet and the wound in his side.  They went one by one, and some experts have calculated how many hours it would take 2500 people if they each spent just fifteen seconds each, and it was around 10 hours. This demonstrates the love Jesus has for each person, that he would give each of them a one-on-one experience, rather than showing them a video or some other experience that would teach them all at one time.


Then we are given some steps I'm calling the steps of conversion.  The people did SEE, they did FEEL, they did KNOW, and then they did BEAR RECORD. 

First we see or hear or experience something.  But our physical senses, seeing, hearing, feeling, are not enough.  We must KNOW, as the Spirit bears witness in our hearts.  Two people can see and hear exactly the same thing, but one will remain unconvinced while the other will respond to the promptings of the Spirit and come to know.

But according to this record, we're not done when we have that testimony; when we know.  There is another step.  We must bear record.  We must share that testimony with others.  When we do this, we strengthen those around us, and we strengthen ourselves.  For as we bear testimony, the Spirit witnesses to us again that what we are saying is true, and our testimony is made stronger.