Persuasion
“In Corinthians (1 Corinthians 2:4) and Colossians (2:4), St. Paul talks about persuasive words. In the former, he reminds his readers that his preaching was not using persuasive words of human wisdom; and in the latter he warns them not to be deceived by persuasive words. Today’s media and messages are all about persuasive words and little of it has to do with simply presenting the truth. Any of us who want to preach and teach Christ simply need to present Christ, who is truth, to the best of our ability, without a manipulative desire to persuade that slips into self-gratification. Yes, we want people to be persuaded to the truth, and we certainly share with that intent, but true persuasion is the work of the Holy Spirit. Often ministry and witnessing can get too cute and clever in attempts to persuade and the result is a watered down message that becomes more about the presenter than Who is being presented.” (Sacramental Living Blog)
“The spiritual power in the gospel is denied when we augment or adjusting gospel into no gospel at all. When we doubt the message alone is the power of God for salvation we start adding or subtracting, trusting our own powers of persuasion or presentation.” (Matt Chandler)
“Some people speak the truth while directing you toward God, but others speak persuasively while directing you toward themselves. It is even possible to say the right words but still lead people in the wrong direction…You don’t need to be a great speaker with a large vocabulary to share the Good News effectively. The persuasive power is in the story, not the storyteller.” (Life Application Study Bible, Deuteronomy 13:1-3, 1 Corinthians 1:17)
“Rather than hammering the unchurched with the Gospel from our mouths and heads, rather than arguing with them or badgering them, rather than capturing the moment like a pious pirate, the stand-in church is called not to be brilliant, not to be persuasive, not even to tell the entire story right then and there, but rather, the stand-in church is called to simply be.” (Lillian Daniel)
“Do you see that the person who is fully persuaded by whatever God shall reveal gives glory to God?” (St. John Chrysostom)