(2 Timothy 2:24)
Have you ever been lost? In order to find your way back to familiar places, you need someone to give you directions. In a similar way, many have wandered away from the right path spiritually, and some have never been on it to begin with. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
By pointing others to Jesus, you help them to find the
truth and the way of life. Through sharing God’s Word, you give them answers
for difficult situations and decisions. You can also guide others in the right
direction by staying on the right path yourself. When they see you not only
talking about memorizing Scripture but also doing it with joy and success, they
will be encouraged to follow your example.
Our definition of persuasiveness for this
lesson is “guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks.” Vital
truths are those facts of life that all of us need to know for our good.
Sometimes, however, people can have false, deep-rooted ideas that keep them
from accepting or acting on those important truths. Such ideas are called
“mental roadblocks.”
Ignorance, fear, misunderstandings, and
false beliefs can keep a person from seeing clearly what is true and right.
To guide others around these obstacles, you must first understand the truth for
yourself, identify the specific barrier, and discern how best to talk with
them. Sometimes rewording the truth in a simpler way is helpful. Other times
more explanation, wise questions, or examples are needed.
You can also point out either the good
results of right actions or the consequences of wrong actions.
Agree where you can, maybe saying, “that seems to make sense, doesn’t it?”, before speaking the truth. Cooperate with the Holy Spirit as you lovingly steer
others toward godly conclusions. The opposite of persuasiveness is
contentiousness.
A contentious person is quick to argue in his or her attempt to persuade. They insist on debate, sometimes even elevating their opinions over the very truth they’re trying to prove! Contention turns people away instead of drawing them to the truth.
A contentious person is quick to argue in his or her attempt to persuade. They insist on debate, sometimes even elevating their opinions over the very truth they’re trying to prove! Contention turns people away instead of drawing them to the truth.
By shining light on the truth of God’s
Word,
a persuasive person helps others avoid obstacles along the way of life.
Proverbs 13:10 states that contention only comes by
pride. In contrast, Galatians 5:22 says that walking in the Spirit brings the
pleasant fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and gentleness. Instead of
trying to force the truth on people, “salt the oats” by making others curious
about what you have to say. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned
with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6).
As you learn to reason graciously with people, they will more readily accept
the truth you share with them. A contentious person seeks to force his or her opinion
on others or “runs over” people to prove their point. Every day is filled with opportunities to be
persuasive. When a foolish conversation begins, gently change the topic to one
that is more edifying, such as God’s recent answer to prayer. If you see people
wasting their time, invite them to join you in a project that is constructive
and helpful. Make the most of the opportunities you have each day to persuade
others to live by God’s Word.
Proverbs 2:1–6 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive my
words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto
wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after
knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as
silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand
the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom:
out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
What a privilege to study the rich truths of God’s
Word, hide them in your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths are
priceless treasures, far above the value and beauty of rubies and diamonds. As
you dig deeper into God’s Word, see Who He is, and allow Him to work in you,
your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He will be glorified as His
character is seen in you.
The Character of God
We see examples of persuasiveness in God’s character
in the following ways:
• With a simple question, God spoke to Cain’s conscience,
shining a light on his wrong actions. (Genesis 4:9–10)
• God uses His creation to present undeniable evidence
of His truth and power. (Romans 1:19–20)
• Jesus persuaded the disciples that He was the Son of
God by revealing His authority over nature. (Matthew 14:32–33)
• Jesus often used parables and stories as
illustrations to help those with hearing hearts better understand spiritual
truths. (Mark 4:30–34)
• Jesus made application from the Law to show His
adversaries that healing on the Sabbath was the right thing to do. (Luke
13:14–16)
• Jesus’ words
brought conviction that motivated the crowd to change their plans. (John
8:7–9)
• The Holy Spirit is the One Who both guides us to all
truth and enables us to have any wisdom in persuading others to that truth. (John
16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:3-5)
Persuasiveness in my Life
Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out
persuasiveness daily:
• Do I prepare my heart to seek and obey God’s Word so
that I am better able to persuade others of the truth? (Ezra 7:10; Titus 1:9)
• Why is it important to learn how to clearly share
the Gospel? (Ezekiel 3:18; 2 Corinthians 4:1-6)
• Am I committed to handling the Word of God honestly
and forthrightly as the Lord leads, so that Scripture itself is able to speak
to another’s conscience? (1 Corinthians 14:24; 2 Corinthians 4:2)
• Even when I am bold and confident, is the love of
Christ evident in my words, attitudes, and actions as I approach others with
the truth? (Ephesians 4:14–15)
• Have I considered the needs or goals of my audience
above my own?
(Philippians 2:4; Romans 15:1-3; 1 Corinthians 10:33)
(Philippians 2:4; Romans 15:1-3; 1 Corinthians 10:33)
• Have I based my beliefs firmly on God’s Word so I
can readily explain my convictions to others?
(2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15)
(2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15)
• Does my example influence others to act wisely? (Hebrews
10:24; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7)
