Sharing the Gospel in Natural Ways

Study three or more of the following passages, looking for why you would want your loved ones to know about the Savior. Next to the passages you choose, make a note that completes the following statement:

I want my family to know this because …

• The Lord speaking:

  • Isaiah 1:18

  • Isaiah 43:25

  • Isaiah 54:10

• Isaiah speaking about the Lord:

  • Isaiah 25:4, 8–9

  • Isaiah 40:28–31

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offered suggestions on how to share the gospel with others:

Wherever you are on this earth, there are plenty of opportunities to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with people you meet, study with, and live with or work and socialize with. …

… What I am asking is that you always look for opportunities to bring up your faith in natural and normal ways with people—both in person as well as online. …

In whatever ways seem natural and normal to you, share with people why Jesus Christ and His Church are important to you. (“Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 15, 17)

missionary work

What makes the difference between feeling “natural and normal” and feeling awkward while sharing the gospel? Can you think of anyone who talks about the gospel in a natural way? If so, how do they do it?

Study one or both of the following resources to help you see some natural ways you can share the gospel with others.

1. “Simple Ways to Love, Share, and Invite for Youth” (2:52).

   

   2:52

2. How Youth Can Share the Gospel (Suggestions for ways to share the gospel)

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained one way you can create conversations about gospel subjects.

I know one BYU graduate who is a great example. He points out that there is a mirror quality to conversation. If we talk about the weather, people respond by talking about the weather. If we talk about sports, they respond by talking about sports. This friend says he asks people he meets about their school and listens intently. After they respond by asking him about his school, he tells them about BYU and then shares his testimony of the gospel. Then, in a positive way, he offers to let them learn more from the missionaries. He has been very successful in sharing the gospel. (“How to Be a Member Missionary,” New Era, Feb. 2015, 48)

missionary work, mirror method

You don’t have to go to Brigham Young University to use the method Elder Cook described. The following steps can help you share the gospel in a normal and natural way.

1. Choose something you have done recently or will do soon to participate in the Church of Jesus Christ or His gospel.

2. Think of a question you could ask someone that will make it more natural for you to share what you chose about the Savior’s Church or gospel.

3. Ask your question, listen sincerely to their answer, and then share what you chose.

For example, you might do the following:

• Ask, “How has your morning been?” (Listen to their answer.) Then share something like, “I had the best experience this morning in seminary learning. …”

• Ask, “Do you have anything fun planned this week?” (Listen to their answer.) Then share something like “I get to go to the temple with my family on Wednesday night to …”