Some conversations are better kept private. Scripture teaches that correction should often be done "between him and thee alone," increasing the chance it will be received with an open heart. Alma’s loving counsel to Corianton was both direct and inspiring. Even difficult messages can be framed in optimistic and respectful ways.
The Holy Ghost “Giveth Utterance”
When we rely on our own knowledge, the content of our communication is limited. If we're willing to trust God guide us, the Holy Ghost will give us utterance and help us say what needs to be said.
“Hold Your Peace”
The phrase "hold your peace" means to remain silent and calm. The Lord instructed Joseph and Hyrum Smith to hold their peace in 1829. A number of people in the Book of Mormon remained silent for long periods of time. We can often communicate more effectively and feel less anxious by slowing down and not rushing to speak.
“To Disabuse the Public Mind”
Joseph Smith wrote his history in response to disinformation. His purpose was "to disabuse the public mind" by putting them in possession of the facts. When we trust our listeners to be fair-minded, we share information which is beneficial to them.
Unconfounded
Jared and his brother prayed that their language would not be confounded. God answered their prayer. He will also answer ours as we seek to communicate more clearly and effectively with one another. Improved understanding will yield greater unity.
Round About Again
As Jesus taught the people in Bountiful, He repeatedly "looked round about" to see how they were doing, and He adjusted His delivery to meet their needs. As we communicate with others, we need to watch for nonverbal cues and respond appropriately.
Language and Understanding
Following in the footsteps of his father, King Benjamin taught his sons "in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding." To understand people better, we need to notice how they convert thoughts into words.
“All Kinds of Tongues” – Moroni 10:15
After urging us to recognize both the power and the gifts of God, Moroni lists a number of gifts we can receive through the Spirit of the Lord. Included in that list are the following: "All kinds of tongues""The interpretation of languages and of divers kinds of tongues" (Moroni 10:15-16) These gifts were also included in an... Continue Reading →
“A Still Voice of Perfect Mildness” – Helaman 5:30
The voice which spoke to the Lamanites who had cast two missionaries into prison "was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise." The earth and the walls of the prison shook as the voice spoke, indicating that the speaker had great power. But the voice itself "was a still voice... Continue Reading →
How Should I Respond to an Emotional Outburst?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi describes a difficult conversation between his parents. His father, Lehi, had led the family away from their comfortable home in Jerusalem to live in tents in the wilderness (1 Nephi 2:2-3). Then, he had been inspired to send his sons back to Jerusalem on a dangerous mission (1... Continue Reading →