"I introduce the second requirement for successfully sharing the message of the Restoration with this question: what is it that will make your invitation appealing to someone? Isn’t it you, the example of your life? Many who have heard and received the message of the Restoration were initially attracted by what they perceived in a member or members of the Church of Jesus Christ. It may have been the way they treated others, the things they said or didn’t say, the steadiness they displayed in difficult situations, or simply their countenance.9"Whatever it may be, we cannot escape the fact that we need to understand and live the principles of the restored gospel as best we can for our invitations to be inviting. It is something often referred to today as authenticity. If the love of Christ dwells in us, others will know that our love for them is genuine. If the light of the Holy Spirit burns within us, it will rekindle the Light of Christ within them.10 What you are lends authenticity to your invitation to come experience the joy of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ."- D. Todd Christofferson, "Sharing the Message of the Restoration and the Resurrection," General Conference April 2020, Sunday afternoon
Elder Christofferson outlined three important things we can do as we share the message of the Restoration with others:
- Be sincere in our love for others
- Be living examples of the principles of the gospel
- Use the Book of Mormon effectively
The importance of authenticity can't be overstated.
When "the love of Christ dwells in us" and "the light of the Holy Spirit burns within us," the power of our invitations to others will increase dramatically. What a blessing to share with those around us!
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)
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