“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere 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.” – 1 Peter 3:13-15a
When others see you waiting in line for a long period of time; when someone asks you for a small favor; when a friend who has the tendency to be longwinded wants to share something going on in their life; when a stranger you see is in need of immediate assistance…
What do they see? Do they see patience and compassion? Do they see kindness and concern? Are you approachable and considerate? Do they sense something pleasantly different about you?
Peter tells us, “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Do our attitudes reflect the love of Christ that is within us? Are we living in a way that mirrors the attitude and heart of Jesus?
Without God’s Spirit living inside us, we become indistinguishable from those who don’t know Jesus. Only true, heartfelt reverence for Christ can compel us to stand apart from the rest of the world. What do they see when they see us? Who do they see?
If others can’t see and experience the love of Christ within us, they won’t see a reason to ask, and we’ll not have an opportunity to explain why we have everlasting hope.
So let us share that hope today through our attitude and actions, and prepare ourselves to share the good news about the life-changing difference that Jesus has made in our lives.
Former Blackout Artist 