Sharing Gospel Truths Simply and Clearly

Define

Explain that teaching truth simply and clearly is a powerful way to answer questions and address concerns. Display and read the following statement by President M. Russell Ballard:

The most common request we hear is a fairly simple one that goes something like this: “Tell me a little about your Church.” The key word here is “little.” They are not saying, “Tell me everything you know and then send others to tell me everything else.” …

… There is a great need for clear, simple statements that present those who are curious with the basics about the Church as it is today. (M. Russell Ballard, “Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 25)

Model

You could share one or more of the following examples of simple and clear statements of gospel truth or use some of your own examples to model this skill.

What is the priesthood? “The priesthood is the authority and power of God. It has always existed and will continue to exist without end (see Alma 13:7–8; Doctrine and Covenants 84:17–18). Through the priesthood, Heavenly Father accomplishes His work ‘to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man’ (Moses 1:39). God grants authority and power to His sons and daughters on earth to help carry out this work” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3.0, ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

What is a testimony? “[A] testimony is a most precious possession, often associated with deep spiritual feelings. These feelings are usually communicated quietly and described as a ‘still small voice’ [1 Kings 19:12]. It is your belief or knowledge of truth given as a spiritual witness through the influence of the Holy Ghost” (Gary E. Stevenson, “Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 112).

How do I know if God has forgiven me? “God promises He will forgive those who repent. When you feel comfort from the Spirit, you can know that the Savior’s atoning power is working in your life” (For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices [2022], 8).

You could also watch the video “What Happens after We Die?” (1:40), and look for what makes this video a simple and clear answer to that question. You could invite students to share what they observed as they watched the video.

Practice

You could create a question from a topic or teaching from this week’s scripture reading. Or you could select from the questions provided below. Invite students to practice with a partner and take turns answering questions clearly and simply. Encourage students to answer each question in 30 to 60 seconds.

• Do Latter-day Saints believe in Jesus?

• Why do I need the Book of Mormon if I have the Bible?

• Do members of your church practice polygamy?

• Why do I need organized religion?

• What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

You could invite one or two students to share what they learned through this experience.

Invite and Follow Up

In the coming weeks, invite students to practice sharing truth simply and clearly. Remember to follow up and allow time when you meet again for students to talk about any experiences they had sharing truths of the gospel simply and clearly. You might also invite them to share any challenges they experienced.