Faith

Faith is the first principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  What is Faith?

I think of the Primary song "Faith"

Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day.
Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayers each time I pray.
Faith is like a little seed: If planted it will grow.
Faith is a swelling within my heart. When I do right, I know.

Faith is knowing I lived with God before my mortal birth.
Faith is knowing I can return when my life ends on earth.
Faith is trust in God above; In Christ, who showed the way.
Faith is strengthened; I feel it grow whenever I obey.

How much sweeter and more simple can it be?

"Faith leads to action.  It leads to sincere and lasting repentance.  Having faith causes us to try as hard as we can to learn about and become more like our Savior. We want to learn what His commandments are and then obey them.  Even though we will still make mistakes, we show our love for Him by striving to keep His commandments and avoid sin" (Preach My Gospel, 61-62).

Did you know that faith can actually be a power that makes things happen.  It's true!  As we obey God, we are blessed with power to bear our challenges, change the unrighteous desires of our hearts, and God can heal us both physically and spiritually.
"...the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him..." (1 Nephi 7:12).
So exercising faith is like tapping into the power of God in our lives.  Who wouldn't want that?

Faith is also like climbing a mountain because we've been told there is a gorgeous lake at the top.  We can't see it yet, but there are signs along the way pointing us in the right direction.  We can't just sit at the bottom of the mountain and say, "oh yes, I believe" but do nothing to find out for ourselves.  We must pick ourselves up and keep on putting one foot in front of the other until we see for ourselves the sparkling water.

Faith, Power, and Salvation
1 Nephi 7:12
2 Nephi 9:23
2 Nephi 25:23
Moroni 7:33-34
Moroni 10:7

The Doctrine of Faith
Alma 32
Ephesians 2:8
Bible Dictionary, "Faith"

Examples of Faith
Ether 12
Hebrews 11

Works and Obedience
1 Nephi 3:7
D&C 130:20-21
James 2:17-26

Faith unto Repentence
Alma 34