But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. – 1 Peter 3:15-17 (ESV)
Peter tells us to “honor Christ the Lord as holy” before he ever tells us to speak. That order matters. Apologetics doesn’t start with arguments… it starts with allegiance. When Christ is settled as Lord in the heart, fear loses its grip, even when conversations get tense and uncomfortable.
Then Peter says we should be ready to give a defense. That word assumes something important: the gospel will sometimes be received as an offense. People may push back, mock, and even try to humiliate. And yet, Peter doesn’t say if you’re asked – he says be prepared. This isn’t a distinct calling for a few elite, Navy Seal type Christians. It’s for all of us. Every believer should be able to explain, in simple and honest terms, why we have the hope that we do.
But notice what the defense is – and what it isn’t. We’re not defending ourselves. We’re giving a reason for hope. And Peter is clear about the heart’s posture: gentleness and respect. Truth delivered without love may be loud, but it’s rarely attractive. We’ve all seen Christians on social media who treat apologetics like a competition. Peter gives us a better way – with firm conviction, steady humility, and a Christlike kindness.
Nor does Peter pretend the outcome will always be positive. Some will reject what we say, maybe even try to shame us. That’s why he talks about keeping a good conscience. When the response hurts us, our integrity should become a place of quiet refuge. We may not win the moment, but we keep our hearts right with God.
And finally, Peter reminds us that suffering for doing good – even in conversation – is not failure! “It is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” If faithfulness brings discomfort, God sees it. And He will bless you.
So… Is the way I’m living displaying a hope to those around me that’s worth asking me about? And am I ready, when the moment comes, to speak about Jesus with both courage and kindness?
All of us are called to give a testimony about who Jesus is and what He’s done in our lives. The question is not whether we will be rejected, but whether we were obedient when the opportunity came.
Former Blackout Artist 