Building A Convincing Conversation About Your Convictions II

Beloved,
We established last time that that in order to convince others, you must be pretty convinced yourself. This is the first step in having a convincing conversation. Next is that you must be well convinced about your tools of communication about your convictions. How do you do this?

Begin by planning out your conversation. It is in your planning that you will know what to say first to jumpstart the conversation. You can also plan for examples that will be relatable to you audience and drive home the point for them. In planning your conversation, you must be mindful of the following:

• Know your audience. Look beyond the exterior to know the strengths and weaknesses of the person you want to talk to. This will help you to plan the conversation.
• Time and timing. Is it appropriate to start that conversation at that time? Know when your audience will be most receptive to what you have to say.
• Environment. Is it ideal to speak at that place?
• Examples. Give appropriate examples to help you drive your conversation home.
• Facts and figures. Be ready to back up your assertions with facts and figures, and more importantly, scriptural references.
• Work with their interests and guard against things that easily put people off. This will help you gain entry into their heart.

In all your planning, make room for the Spirit. When an opportunity to communicate your faith opens up, don’t miss it because you think you are not ready. The Lord Jesus says,

‭‭Mark 13:11 NKJV‬‬
… do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 

There are times to meticulously plan a conversation about your faith and there are other times to open your mouth and let the Lord fill it. I pray for you that you be able to always accurately discern seasons.

I commend you to God and to the word of His grace.

I call you blessed. I call you NATIONS.