The Answer For Hope

“In your hearts set apart 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.” 1 Peter 3:15

Some questions don’t have easy answers. (Why are those the ones our kids specialize in asking??) Some questions do. But though the answers may be easy, answering often isn’t. Questions about God can be this way. Responding to an inquiry can be a simple and unobtrusive way to share our faith, so “What might someone want to know?” and “How do I reply?” are both good questions to ask ourselves before we start answering others.

Peter suggests that people might ask how we can have hope when life is so hard. Keeping Christ first in our hearts shows up in our lives. Especially in the lousy of life. How you take the tough times might raise the eyebrows of some but will open the ears of others. Know why you do what you do. Be able to put it into words. Not theological treatises but simple truths. Hope is not just a wish for the bad to go away but a certainty that God is God and that God is good even if the bad hangs around. The guy who wrote Hebrews says our hope in Jesus is an anchor for our souls, steadfast and secure. (Hebrews 6:19)

So when someone asks, just answer. Don’t miss out because you’re afraid you might mess up. You can’t go wrong if you point to Jesus and you are polite. “Always be prepared to give an answer….but do this with gentleness and respect.” The people you’re talking with might not agree and might not be agreeable, but a gentle answer goes much farther than a great argument. Harshness and haughtiness are immediate turn offs. They might be wrong but remember you’re not the one who’s right. God is. His grace gave you the hope they’re questioning. Honor Him by respecting them.


Live so people will ask.
Answer so people will listen.


Time For A Little R&R

REFLECT
How have you responded when asked why you have hope when life seems hopeless?

RESPOND
Ask God to send someone today to ask you about Him.
When God graciously answers you, you gently answer them.