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others, and his own zeal in that activity gave clear evidence that he
was personally convinced of its importance.(Acts 20:18-21;Rom.10:
9,13-15) Similar conviction should be evident on the part of Chris-
tian elders today as they teach from God’s Word.
During study periods and at other times, parents need to express
themselves with conviction when discussing spiritual matters with
their children. This requires that parents cultivate love for God and
his ways in their own hearts. Then they can speak with heartfelt
conviction to their children, ‘for out of the heart’s abundance the
mouth speaks.’ (Luke6:45;Deut. 6:5-7) Having such con-
viction will also motivate parents to set an example of
‘faith without hypocrisy.’—2 Tim.1:5.
It is especially important to express yourself with con-
viction when your faith is challenged. A schoolmate, a
teacher, or a workmate may express surprise that you do
notjoininacertaincelebration.A resolute,well-reasoned
answer may help him to respect your Bible-based posi-
tion. What if someone tries to entice you into wrong
conduct—dishonesty,misuseofdrugs,orsexual immoral-
ity? It is important to make clear that you will definite-
ly not engage in such conduct and that no efforts at per-
suasionwill cause you to changeyour mind.This requires
that you speak with conviction when rejecting the prop-
osition. When resisting the immoral advances of Potiphar’s wife,Jo-
seph firmly stated: “How could I commit this great badness and ac-
tually sinagainstGod?”When she persisted,he fled from the house.
—Gen. 39:9,12.
How Conviction Is Manifested. The words that you use can do
muchtoconvey yourconviction.Onnumerous occasions Jesus pref-
acedimportantstatements by saying:“MosttrulyIsay toyou.”(John
3:3, 5, 11; 5:19, 24, 25) Paul’s conviction was reflected in such ex-
pressions as “I am convinced,” “I know and am persuaded in the
Lord Jesus,” and “I am telling the truth, I am not lying.” (Rom. 8:
38;14:14;1 Tim. 2:7) Regarding the fulfillmentof his word, Jehovah
at times inspired his prophets to make emphatic statements, such
as, “It will without fail come true.” (Hab. 2:3) When you refer to
these prophecies, you might use similar language. If you put confi-
dence not in yourself but in Jehovah and if you speak to others in
HOW TO DO IT
Speakwithfeelingthatis
appropriatetoyour subject.
Uselanguagethatreflects
yourconviction.
Studyyour materialuntil
youunderstanditclearly
andcanexpressit inyour
ownwords.Youmustbe
fullyconvincedofitstruth-
fulness andofitsvalueto
youraudience.
Expressed With Conviction
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