Chapter 9—Persuasion Through Speech
Sanctified Speech the Greatest Blessing—Of all the gifts which
God has given to man, none is more noble or a greater blessing than
the gift of speech, if it is sanctified by the Holy Spirit. It is with
the tongue we convince and persuade; with it we offer prayer and
praise to God; and with it we convey rich thoughts of the Redeemer’s
love.—
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 316, 317
.
Peace in the Heart—We should show by our daily lives that we
have peace and rest in God. His peace in the heart will shine forth in the
countenance. It will give to the voice a persuasive power. Communion
with God will impart a moral elevation to the character and to the
entire course of action.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:47
.
Kindly, Cheerful Approach—Approach the people in a persua-
sive, kindly manner, full of cheerfulness and love for Christ.... No
human tongue can express the preciousness of the ministration of the
Word and the Holy Spirit. No human expression can portray to the
finite mind the value of understanding and by living faith receiving the
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blessing that is given as Jesus of Nazareth passes by.—
Evangelism,
444
.
Persuasion for Soul Winning—The power of persuasion is a
wonderful gift. It means much to those who would win souls to
Christ.—Lt 32, 1911.
Power of the Personal Experience—When one has received the
truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of
his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he
himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others
may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His
testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth
to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character.—
The Desire of Ages, 142
.
Love and Sympathy—The most persuasive eloquence is the word
that is spoken in love and sympathy. Such words will bring light to
confused minds and hope to the discouraged, brightening the prospect
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