President Russell M. Nelson said, “Living the doctrine of Christ can produce the most powerful virtuous cycle, creating spiritual momentum in our lives” (“Overcome the World and Find Rest,” General Conference, October 2022).
A virtuous cycle is a self-reinforcing set of positive actions. Each activity leads naturally to the next, and each iteration of the same activity brings increased growth and progress.
Alma described a virtuous cycle of obtaining spiritual knowledge as he spoke to a humbled Zeezrom in the city of Ammonihah:
He that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.
Alma 12:10
This reminds me of the following passage from a revelation Joseph Smith received in 1831:
He that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
Doctrine and Covenants 50:24, see also Proverbs 4:18
Elder Dale G. Renlund explained:
As the Holy Ghost exerts a greater influence in our lives, we progressively and iteratively develop Christlike attributes. Our hearts change. Our disposition to do evil diminishes. Our inclination to do good increases until we only want “to do good continually.” And we thereby access the heavenly power needed to endure to the end. Our faith has increased, and we are ready to repeat the powerful, virtuous cycle again.
“The Powerful, Virtuous Cycle of the Doctrine of Christ,” General Conference, April 2024
Today, I will participate in virtuous cycles. I will engage in positive activities which lead to other positive activities, and I will remember that some repetitive actions provide incremental benefits over time.