Courage to Proclaim the Truth
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How did Elder Silva come to know the truth of the gospel?
- What does Elder Silva say about the importance of proclaiming the truth?
- What are the benefits and challenges of missionary service according to Elder Silva?
- What advice does Elder Silva give about enduring challenges and afflictions?
- What are the sources of truth that Elder Silva mentions?
Topics
Coming to Know the Truth of the Gospel
Elder Silva shares his personal story of conversion, which began when a classmate bore testimony to him and gave him a Book of Mormon. Although he initially didn't pay much attention to the book, a visit from the missionaries later led him to read it, pray about it, and receive a confirmation of its truthfulness.
I want to bear my testimony to you that this book is true and that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored.
The answer to my question was clear, and several days later—more precisely on May 1, 1983—I was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- What was the role of the Book of Mormon in Elder Silva's conversion?
- How did Elder Silva come to know that the Church was true?
- Have you had an experience where you felt the truthfulness of the gospel?
- How can you better use the Book of Mormon in your own efforts to share the gospel?
The Importance of Proclaiming the Truth
Elder Silva emphasizes the importance of not only defending the truth but also proclaiming it. He highlights the role of missionary work in this process, encouraging young men and women to prepare for and serve missions.
When I decided to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, I had accepted the task of not only defending the truth but also proclaiming it.
The privilege of representing the Savior Jesus Christ and His Church cannot be ignored.
- What does Elder Silva mean when he says we should not only defend the truth but also proclaim it?
- Why does Elder Silva consider missionary service a privilege?
- How can you better proclaim the truth in your daily life?
- What steps can you take to prepare for or support missionary work?
Enduring Challenges with Faith in Jesus Christ
Elder Silva acknowledges that following the truth does not exempt us from challenges, temptations, or criticisms. However, he assures us that we are never alone in our afflictions and encourages us to trust in Heavenly Father and not give up.
But the knowledge of the truth teaches that when we enter the strait and narrow path that will take us back to the presence of Heavenly Father, there will always be a way to escape these problems.
The challenges of life can knock us down, but know that when we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, "[our] afflictions shall be but a small moment" (Doctrine and Covenants 121:7) in the grand scope of eternity.
- What does Elder Silva say about the challenges that come with following the truth?
- How does faith in Jesus Christ help us endure our afflictions?
- How have you experienced God's help in the midst of your afflictions?
- What challenges are you currently facing, and how can you exercise faith in Jesus Christ to endure them?
The Role of Truth in Our Spiritual Journey
Elder Silva teaches that the knowledge of the truth does not make us better than others, but it guides us on our journey back to God's presence. He encourages us to learn from the sources of truth, including the scriptures, the words of the prophets, and the Holy Ghost.
The holy scriptures teach us, "Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come" (Doctrine and Covenants 93:24).
The knowledge of the truth does not make us better than other people, but it teaches us what we must do to return to God’s presence.
- What does Elder Silva say about the role of truth in our spiritual journey?
- What are the sources of truth that Elder Silva mentions?
- How has the truth guided you on your spiritual journey?
- How can you better learn from the sources of truth?
