But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
NKJV
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Sharing our faith is critical for every Christian. After all, this is what Jesus commands us to do. If the Gospel has changed us, why wouldn't we want to share it? That said, we are never called to be combative in sharing the Truth. We are to be bold and unwavering in speaking the Truth, but we should do so in meekness and respect. When Peter is writing in the book of 1 Peter, he is talking to a suffering church. It would make sense that they would want to stand up and fight off those who are oppressing them, yet Peter calls for them to endure persecution with a readiness to share their faith. Not just to share but for them to do so gently and respectfully. Peter says, "Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ." (1 Peter 3:16 partial NLT) A peaceable life, matched with a powerful message, can bring conviction and repentance. So friend, love others in such a way that even when you share hard truths, they will see your good works and glorify God. Life Lesson: Persecution is not an excuse to be mean-spirited or combative. Christians are called to suffer with meekness so that others may see their life and be saved. Dear God,
Living to tell what He died to say, |
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 Scripture quotations marked "NKJV™" are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. |
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