1 Peter 3:13-17
Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you should happen to suffer because of righteousness, you are blessed. Do not be afraid of what they fear, and do not be troubled. But regard the Lord, the Christ, as holy in your hearts. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you. But speak with gentleness and respect, while maintaining a clear conscience, so that those who attack your good way of life in Christ may be put to shame because they slandered you as evildoers.
Dear Heavenly Father,
With you on our side, who can harm us? When we trust and believe in you, we can do the “good things” Peter wrote about. They are those things we do to help others. We should not be afraid of the world or how it may attack us because of our faith; instead, we always hold on to you. The world often views the warning from Your Word, our generosity, and our eagerness to help others as threatening, perhaps even lashing out at us because of our kindness. Peter wrote that we should be ready to answer the why question, “why are you so different from the rest of the world?” The answer is always Jesus. Because when we were dead in our sins; our debt of sin was so outstanding we had no way to pay; eternal death was our lot; the guilt for our sins was always with us. Jesus came and removed all that with his holy life and innocent death. He took my sin, lifted my guilt, paid my debt, giving me his righteousness. Through faith in Jesus, all who believe in you, you have delivered to us the promise of eternal life. Lord, this plan is your way of salvation for us. Peter wrote that some might attack us for our way of life in Christ, which is ok. Because you are still here with us, and no one can take away our gift of eternal life. Grant us opportunities today to share the reason for our hope with someone who does not know you. Amen.
Roger Emmons
Pastor
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
The best way to prepare to give an answer to someone else is to remind yourself of the hope that is yours in Christ.