Description
The apostle Peter wants us to tell others about our faith and in particular our hope, but not violently. In this meditation we consider … (visit YouTube for more)
Transcript
Today’s meditation is on 1 Peter 3, verse 15. But in your hearts, honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect.
It’s interesting how Peter lays out this process of apologetics. It starts with honouring Christ the Lord as holy. Having honored God, having honored Jesus, we are then prepared to give a reason for our hope, not defensively, but explaining what Jesus has done for us, how he’s changed our lives , and how ultimately we are longing to see his return.
And the most important part, or at least the part that we most often forget, do it with gentleness and respect. We are not going to persuade people to join us simply by words or better arguments.
What is most telling, and most meaningful to people, is that we come to them with gentleness and respect. We accept that they may not agree with us, may not believe what we do, and nevertheless, we love them.
Accepting that sometimes what they also need from us is space. And in that space, we’re praying for them and asking for the Holy Spirit to do his work.
Lord, please help us to remember to acknowledge you first, to be ready to speak of you, but always to be operating out of humility, respect and love towards those to whom you send us. Amen.
