TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:15-16 ESV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• The flu has found its way to my house. With the exception of yesterday’s trip to the doctor, my husband has been in bed since Monday night. I’ve been sleeping on the couch and taking Elderberry. I’m also taking a hopefully-preventative prescription for Tamiflu. I’ve been spraying Lysol in my husband’s direction and wiping everything down with Clorox wipes. I’ve been obsessively washing my hands. And mostly I’m praying I don’t get it too. In case you’re wondering—no, we didn’t get flu shots. We never do. That’s another topic though.
This week has clearly found me on the defensive. With defense on the brain, let’s talk about defending our faith. In 1 Peter 3:15-16, it says, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”
So I want to ask a few questions to challenge you about your faith:
- Do you readily admit you’re a Christian, even to people you don’t know?
- Are you comfortable talking about your faith?
- Do you readily offer to pray for others?
- Do you act in Christian love, letting others see Jesus in you?
- Are you willing to testify about what Jesus has done in your life?
Peter told us in this passage that we need to be ready whenever someone asks about faith. The question may be rooted in curiosity or defiance. But however we answer, we need to be ready with an answer and we need to respond in gentleness and kindness.
Here’s the problem though. Most people don’t know how to make a defense. In our world, defense is a term that is synonymous with debate or argument. Don’t believe me? Post a political opinion on Facebook and see what happens. (Have I ever mentioned how much I despise politics?!?!)
Since we don’t know how to defend things in our society and some people seem to make a hobby out of getting offended, how do you defend your faith in kindness?
I don’t have a rock-solid answer, but what makes sense to me is to go inward. People can’t debate with YOUR personal experiences. So I think that when we can make our defense based on our personal experiences of worshipping Jesus, the peace He gives us in challenging situations, and answered prayers—people can’t argue that. (Though I am sure there are those who would try.) Moreover, how can you talk about those things without a spirit of gratitude and joy? You can’t! The very act of sharing what God has done for you will set the tone for your defense that no one can take from you and no one can debate. That’s how we heed Peter’s words and respond in gentleness.
Today, as you pray, count your blessings and thank God for what He’s done for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you always be ready to tell anyone who asks about your faith… ask Him to encourage you to speak freely of all God has done in your life!
SHARING ••• Please feel free to comment or share this blog with others. Also, download a free Bible-In-A-Year Reading Plan when you subscribe to www.MyGraceFullLife.com! ***Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture references are from the ESV translation.
