Scripture –
1 Peter 3:15-16 – Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.
Observation –
Peter is writing to tell the believers not to be afraid of persecution but be faithful and worship Christ. Christians need to be prepared to explain the hope we have in a winsome way. Live in a way that is honoring to God so people will have difficulty speaking against you.
Application-
I need to fear God, not man or any level of persecution that can be placed on me. Christ has to be my rock that I follow faithfully. I must as as should all Christians be prepared to share my hope of the Good News of Jesus in a kind, loving way. This applies to all believers, self included and doesn’t have to be a a Doctoral level argument to defend the faith but why we have hope in the resurrection and return of Jesus. My walk needs to match my talk so I can be a credible witness for the gospel.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for your love, grace and mercy in sending Jesus to ransom me from death to life. Let the power of the Holy Spirit prepare me to share my hope in Christ in a loving way to glorify you.