Sharing Gospel Truths with Love and Sensitivity

Define

Consider sharing the following statement by President M. Russell Ballard:

We need not apologize for our beliefs nor back down from that which we know to be true. But we can share it in a spirit of loving understanding. (M. Russell Ballard, “How Is It with Us?,” Ensign, May 2000, 33)

Distribute the following handout, and read the guiding principles for sharing gospel truths with love and sensitivity.

Sharing Gospel Truths with Love and Sensitivity

Teach truth with love. Although we need not apologize for or feel uncomfortable sharing our beliefs, in our desire to be bold we may sometimes communicate in unloving ways. You might pray for help to communicate your love for others while sharing gospel truths. You could ask yourself, How can I share this truth with kindness and love?

Listen to understand. Thoughtfully seek to understand the circumstances, viewpoints, and perspectives of others. Recognize that they may view a gospel teaching, question, or issue through a lens of experience different from your own. You might ask yourself, What do I know about this person that can influence how I share this truth?

Be humble and respectful. Recognize and acknowledge limitations in your own understanding. Consider what the Lord has and has not revealed. Allow for various ways of applying true principles. Show respect for others who have alternative beliefs and viewpoints. Consider asking yourself, How can I be respectful of others who have alternative views and ways of thinking about this gospel truth?

Model

Consider using the following example or one of your own to model this skill.

Explain that one truth we can learn from Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–5 is that the Lord has commanded us to receive the words of prophets in patience and faith. Model how to share this truth with love and sensitivity in the following scenario: You notice that a sibling who once spoke about the prophet faithfully now speaks critically of him and some of his teachings.

Sharing gospel truths with a lack of love and sensitivity	Questions to consider	Sharing gospel truths with love and sensitivity
Sharing gospel truths with a lack of love and sensitivity “You are not following the Lord’s commandment to receive the prophet’s words in all patience and faith.”	Questions to consider How can I share this truth with kindness and love?	Sharing gospel truths with love and sensitivity “I was thinking this morning about something we were talking about the other day. May I share with you an experience I’ve had that taught me the importance of following the prophet in patience and with faith?”
Sharing gospel truths with a lack of love and sensitivity “Following the prophet in patience and faith means you don’t criticize him or his teachings.”	Questions to consider What do I know about this person that can influence how I share this truth? How can I be respectful of others who have alternative views and ways of thinking about this gospel truth?	Sharing gospel truths with love and sensitivity “We’ve had many conversations in the past where you have expressed your love and gratitude for the prophet. Lately I’ve noticed that you seem more critical of him and some of his teachings. Will you help me understand what has changed?”

Practice

Develop a scenario based on a scriptural truth from this week’s class discussions, or use one of the examples provided below. Students could use the guiding principles from the handout to discuss or role-play in small groups how they could share a gospel truth with love and sensitivity.

Additional passages for practicing this skill:

• Truth: Because God loves all people, everything He does is for their ultimate benefit (see 2 Nephi 26:24).

  • Scenario: A coworker who recently had a family tragedy is doubting God’s love and maybe even His existence.

• Truth: Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God (see Genesis 2:18–24; 1 Corinthians 11:11; Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17).

  • Scenario: A neighbor, who identifies as gay, asks you why your church teaches that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.

• Truth: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church on the earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:30).

  • Scenario: A friend, who is very active in another church, posts the following question on social media: “Why do Mormons say their church is the only true one?”

Invite and Follow Up

Invite students to share gospel truths with love and sensitivity in their gospel conversations with others. Remember to follow up in coming weeks by inviting students to share their experiences with the class. You might ask students what went well and what was difficult. Look for opportunities to continue practicing this skill in class.