Gordon B. Hinckley
"How do we recognize the promptings of the Spirit? I don‘t think that’s too difficult, really. When all is said and done it is a matter of a feeling we have in our hearts. I am going to read to you some words from Moroni that I think answer this question…(quotes Moroni 7:13, 16-17)
"That’s the test, when all is said and done. Does it persuade one to do good, to rise, to stand tall, to do the right thing, to be kind, to be generous? Then it is of the Spirit of God. If it is dark, sinister, ugly, not good, then you may know that it is of the adversary.
"Now, your question: How do we recognize the promptings of the Spirit? You put it to that test. If it invites to do good, it is of God. If it inviteth to do evil, it is of the devil. The Lord is not going to spell out for you, A, B, C, D, E, F. His influence will be felt. And if you are doing the right thing and if you are living the right way, you will know in your heart what the Spirit is saying to you.
“You recognize the promptings of the Spirit by the fruits of the Spirit--that which enlighteneth, that which buildeth up, that which is positive and affirmative and uplifting and leads us to better thoughts and better words and better deeds is of the Spirit of God. That which tears us down, which leads us into forbidden paths--that is of the adversary. I think it is just that plain, just that simple.” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, “Holy Ghost”)
Joseph F. Smith
“(quotes Moroni 7:10-19.)…I think that here, in the words that I have read, are some…plain, simple guideposts; and if we, as Latter-day Saints…would read these words as believing children should read, with understanding, in faith, being sure that God inspired them, and then put them into practice, I think it would not be long before we could do away with appeals to bishops’ courts, and high councils, and with the present necessity for teachers’ visits, to try to settle difficulties among Latter-day Saints. I believe every man would be his own judge, for he would judge righteously, because he would judge in the light of truth, in the light and justice-not selfishly, not covetously, but in the light that has come from the heavens in the latter days, through revelations from God.” (Gospel Doctrine, pp. 222-3)