There will come a time, usually sooner rather than later, when you will need to talk about the high stakes involved. This is one of the most difficult things to do; but also, one of the most essential. Since Mormonism teaches that virtually everyone goes to heaven, many haven’t given a thought – much less show concern – about going to hell. (Although, surprisingly, despite Mormonism’s teaching about most going to heaven, more than a few Mormons are worried about going to hell.) Until you express your concern about their eternal destiny, there’s a good chance they won’t view these discussions as seriously as you do.

Lovingly and clearly explain why you are so concerned for them. Talk about your conviction that Mormonism leads people to outer darkness (“outer darkness” is “hell” in Mormonism).

This is such a distressing thought that it is difficult to apply it to people we care for. That’s perfectly understandable. But it is something you must do. Until you are convinced they are in eternal trouble, you won’t talk to them as passionately as you need to.

Even after you are totally convinced Mormonism is leading them to hell, it can be extremely difficult to tell them this. But you must. Until you honestly talk about it, there’s a good chance they think you are upset because ____ (fill in the blank). Rarely will they fill in the blank with the thought that you are concerned they will go to hell. As a result, they will often view your conversations as nothing other than interesting discussions – not as life or death matters.

Take your cue from Jesus. He, more than anyone else in the Bible, warned people about going to hell. He did it out of love for people – but he did it.

Pray fervently. Ask the Lord to give you the right words to speak. Ask him to have them see you are speaking out of love and not anger. Ask him to give you the right opportunity to talk about this. Ask him to bless your conversation.

It is also vitally important how you talk about it. Say it with a tear in your eye. Many people have introduced it by talking about their inner turmoil. They open up about their hesitation and fear of hurting the relationship. They then state they feel compelled to bring it up because it is so important. Some have used the analogy of a doctor telling a patient they have cancer. How it is a hard message to deliver but one that needs delivering – especially if the doctor has the cure. It would be totally unloving for the doctor not to talk about their sickness. So also us. We need to warn them of the deadliest cancer of all – the cancer of sin.

Many have used Jesus’ parable of the wedding garment to make this point. Here is a link to a thorough explanation of how to use it.