An Answer for Hope

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Peter 3:15-16

My friend’s wife doesn’t like Christianity. We had them over for dinner and we were just sitting around the fire and she asked a question about the Bible and it was game on. And I was on. I was answering her questions really well.

But I also noticed. I was getting cranky. Because I don’t think she was really listening. She didn’t like my answers, even though to me they seemed irrefutable.

What if though, the logic of my answers was less important than my tone. What if the truthfulness of my words was less important than the grace with which I spoke them.

I mean, let’s not fall into the false dichotomy. It shouldn’t be logic/truth at the expense of grace/tone. It’s that Peter knows, the way we speak is just as important as what we speak.

There’s really two things for us, aren't there? Be prepared. Would you be able to give an answer for your hope? Would you feel confident explaining the gospel and why you believe it?

And how would you go at doing that with gentleness and respect? Do you get angry when people disagree with you? Or don’t believe you? In all these things, we need God’s help.

Today:

• Write an answer for someone who asks you why you believe in Jesus.
• Pray for someone to ask you.
• Reflect on your heart and how you might respond to people if they do ask you.

Pray:

• Praise the Father that he gives us a hope to speak of.
• Give thanks for Jesus who is the reason for our hope.
• Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others respond wisely, gently and respectfully to people’s questions about your faith.