Finding Joy in Sharing the Gospel

Understanding Our Identity and God's Plan

Sister Franco emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity as children of God and our knowledge of His divine plan. This understanding is a key part of what we share with others while sharing the gospel.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we know who we are. We know that “God is the Father of our spirits. We are … His children, and He loves us. We lived [with Him in heaven] before we [came to] earth.”

We know God’s plan. We were there with Him as He presented it. Our Father in Heaven’s “whole purpose—His work and His glory—is to enable each of us to enjoy all His blessings. He … provided a perfect plan to accomplish His purpose. We understood and accepted this plan … of happiness, … redemption, and … salvation” before we came to earth.

• What does it mean to know who we are in the context of the gospel?
• How does understanding God's plan influence our willingness and ability to share the gospel?
• How can you personally apply the knowledge of your divine identity in your daily life?
• How can you use your understanding of God's plan to help others?

Sharing the Gospel through Personal Interactions

Sister Franco shares a personal story about her mother sharing the gospel with a family on a flight to Argentina. This story illustrates the power of personal interactions and sincere testimony in sharing the gospel.

Many years ago, my mother was returning to Argentina for a visit with my brother. My mom never really liked flying, so she asked one of my sons to give her a blessing of comfort and protection. He felt prompted to also bless his grandma with special guidance and direction from the Holy Ghost to strengthen and touch the hearts of many who were desirous to learn of the gospel.

During the flight, my mom bore her simple but strong testimony of the gospel and invited Susana to find the missionaries in her hometown.

• What role did personal interaction play in Sister Franco's mother sharing the gospel?
• How did a simple testimony impact Susana's interest in the gospel?
• How can you prepare yourself to share the gospel in your everyday interactions?
• What opportunities might you have to share your testimony with others?

Actively Seeking Opportunities to Share the Gospel

Sister Franco discusses the importance of actively seeking opportunities to share the gospel, using the example of Susana, who prays daily for opportunities to share the gospel and is prepared with materials to give to those she meets.

She told me, “It is very simple. Every day before I leave my house, I pray, asking Heavenly Father to direct me to someone who needs the gospel in their life. I sometimes take a Book of Mormon to share with them or pass-along cards from the missionaries—and when I start talking to someone, I simply ask them if they have heard about the Church.”

Susana also said, “Other times I just smile while I am waiting for the train. One day a man looked at me and said, ‘What are you smiling about?’ He kind of caught me off guard.

• How does Susana actively seek opportunities to share the gospel?
• What role does prayer play in finding opportunities to share the gospel?
• What can you do to actively seek opportunities to share the gospel?
• How can you prepare yourself to be ready to share the gospel when opportunities arise?

The Joy and Blessings of Sharing the Gospel

Sister Franco emphasizes the joy and blessings that come from sharing the gospel, both to the person sharing and to those who accept the gospel. She also highlights the importance of this work in God's plan for the salvation of His children.

And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!”

My dear friends, the Lord needs us to gather Israel. In the Doctrine and Covenants, He has said, “Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.”

• What are the blessings and joys that come from sharing the gospel?
• How does sharing the gospel contribute to God's plan of salvation?
• How have you experienced joy from sharing the gospel?
• How can you seek the blessings of sharing the gospel in your life?

Practical Ways to Share the Gospel

Sister Franco suggests practical ways to share the gospel, such as inviting friends to church, sharing the Book of Mormon, helping others with family history, and sharing insights from personal study. She encourages members to follow the Savior's example in sharing what brings joy to their lives.

Can we invite a friend who is not of our faith to come to church with us on Sunday? Or can we perhaps share a copy of the Book of Mormon with a relative or a friend? Can we help others find their ancestors on FamilySearch or share with others what we have learned during the week as we have been studying Come, Follow Me? Can we be more like our Savior, Jesus Christ, and share with others what brings us joy to our lives?

• What are some practical ways Sister Franco suggests for sharing the gospel?
• How can sharing what brings us joy help in sharing the gospel?
• Which of these practical ways to share the gospel could you implement in your life?
• How can you share the joy you find in the gospel with others?