MARY - How can one be sure that their visions and personal revelations are genuine? Is there some way to tell if one has just imagined something, or if it is really from God? Does having a visitation in the temple make it more valid?

JOEL - A person can be inspired almost anywhere at anytime. I don't know if having such expereinces in the temple makes them more valid; I do think it's more likely that the spiritual environment that we enjoy in the temple makes us more receptive to such manifestations.

There are a couple of things to look for when considering the genuiness of such experiences. First of all, are we personally striving to live the word of God and His commandments in our daily lives. If we are not, there is a chance we might be receiving revelation from the wrong source.

Secondly, all that which comes from God will always contain truths. If what you have learned is true and faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the scriptures, and what our latter-day prophets have said, then you can feel certain that it was real and something that God wanted you to know. Just remember that what you learn is a very personal thing that was meant for you alone and not something that should be considered Church doctrine for all; that kind of revelation is left to the Prophet of the Church.

Another way to tell if something is true and right is to ask the question, "If I hearken to what I have seen and heard will it bring forth good fruits?"
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matt 7:20)
Does what you learn bring peace and comfort to your soul or confusion and uncertainty? What you learn must compel you to perform works of righteousness and not anything that is contrary to the will of God.

Finally the Holy Ghost will reveal the truthfulness of such things to your soul. Here are a few related scriptures:

"For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old," (1 Nephi 10:19)

"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moro. 10: 4-5)

If your'e not sure about some things your Bishop might be one to go to for an opinion on it. .

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