Whenever religion comes up in conversation, rhetoric is bound to follow. Religion is a much debated topic that induces much animation, and wording is key. Anyone with a strong conviction has the intention to share their knowledge with those around them. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, missionary work is stressed constantly, from those on missions and to members who are examples to those around them. While discussing the gospel it is important to use rhetoric to convince someone of the truthfulness of the gospel. Knowing and understanding principles of the church, the scriptures, and modern revelations is important so that your knowledge and use of words to express your thoughts and ideas is convincing. D&C 11:21 states:
"Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men."
The Holy Ghost will guide you as you work to express in sincerity your knowledge and faith in the gospel. Many times my faith has come up in conversation and I am always prompted by the Spirit to say what the other person probably needs to hear. The first step to being able to start a good discussion on the gospel is to be bold in your beliefs. I am the first to share my opinion on topics pertaining to morality and issues of right and wrong. I think that to slowly interject your ideas wherever you can will be a good way to begin deeper dialogue that could very well lead to someone's conversion.
The use of words to have an effect and instill change in the listener is easily done when in accordance with God's will. It is everyone's responsibility as a saint to share as much as they can. In addition to being prompted by the Spirit, the person you are talking to may be leaving clues in their rhetoric that may be hints towards good angles or topics to bring up. Conversation is such a key part in conversion and members should practice talking with ease so they are prepared to take advantage of the opportunities they have.
My father was born and raised in the Jewish faith and was converted by the words of the Book of Mormon. The truthfulness was very forthcoming to him and he realized he had found the true gospel he had been looking for his whole life. What lead him to read the Book of Mormon were the words of my mother’s parents. They are both well versed and used the simple language of the gospel as a tool to convince my dad to read. Their efforts have changed my entire life.
I go forth in my dealings striving to use rhetoric to share the gospel, even in subtle ways, to all those around me and I would encourage others to do the same.
