Here is one common example. Your LDS friend or family member invites you to an event at the LDS Church, such as a baptism or a missionary farewell. On the one hand, you don’t want to do anything to acknowledge the LDS Church’s legitimacy; on the other hand, you don’t want to damage your relationship by refusing their invitation. What to do?

We have found it effective to honestly share the dilemma with them. If they understand it, and if you are comfortable with going to the LDS Church, consider attending. You have already told them your concerns. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about sending the message that you accept the LDS Church as legitimate. Be sure to also tell them you will be a passive observer – that you will not participate.

Attend, however, only if you are willing to take it a step further and turn this potential obstacle into an opportunity. Ask them, in response to your going, to agree to a serious discussion about Mormonism and Christianity. To put it another way, since you are willing to show your love by doing something which is important to them, ask them to do something important to you.

Another common example is when you don’t know the answer to one of their questions. Instead of fretting about it, turn it into an opportunity by telling them you will research it and get back to them. By doing this, you automatically have a reason to talk with them again.

Often, with some thought, you can turn many seemingly negative events into positive experiences.