Drawing from examples found in the Book of Mormon, Elder Michael T. Ringwood of the Seventy spoke Sunday afternoon of the importance of a believing heart.
Using the example of the Lamanite converts in the book of Helaman, Elder Ringwood spoke of the added Spirit and aid that came as they had a willingness to believe.
"As I pondered what caused this mighty change in the hearts of these Lamanites, I came to realize this easiness and willingness to believe in the word of God comes from a softness of heart," he said. "It comes from having a heart that is sensitive to the Holy Ghost. It comes from having a heart that can love. It comes from having a heart that will make and keep sacred covenants. It comes from a soft heart that can feel the power of the Atonement of Christ."
For many individuals, times of significant change make it easier to believe in the word of God. Marriages, births, trials and service in a calling or mission are examples of experiences that often lead to a softened heart and a deeper belief.
"If you are like me, you will find that what really brought an easiness and willingness to believe were not the circumstances, but the commitment to live the gospel during these periods of life," he said. "You were found more often on your knees and immersed in the scriptures during these periods. You found it easier to gather for family home evening and family prayer. You found it easier to be in Church and to worship in the temple. You found it easy to pay tithes and offerings."
The daily living of the gospel is what brings a softness of heart needed to have a belief in the word of God, he said.
"Obedience will bring soft hearts and an easiness to believe in the word of God. I bear witness that an easiness to believe will bring an outpouring of the Spirit."
Watch video of this talk and other conference talks at ksl.com