This month, our character focus is Persuasiveness. The operational definition of persuasiveness is “guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks.”

Often people have false, deep-rooted ideas that keep them from accepting or acting on important truths. Ignorance, fear, misunderstanding, and false beliefs can keep a person from seeing clearly what is true and right.

To guide others around these obstacles, you must first understand the truth for yourself, identify the specific barrier, and discern how best to talk with them. Sometimes rewording the truth in a simpler way is helpful. Other times, more explanation, wise questions, or examples are needed.

The opposite of persuasiveness is contentiousness. A contentious person is quick to argue in his attempt to persuade. He insists on debate, sometimes even elevating his opinions over the very truth he is trying to prove! Contention turns people away instead of drawing them to the truth.

Proverbs 13:10 states that contention only comes by pride. In contrast, Galatians 5:22 says that walking in the Spirit brings the pleasant fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and gentleness. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6). As you learn to reason graciously with people, they will more readily accept the truth you share with them.

Every day is filled with opportunities to be persuasive. Make the most of the opportunities you have each day to persuade others to live by God’s Word.

Here are some free resources to help your family study persuasiveness this month.