1 Peter 3:15

[scuba_mikey_pc_2008]

1 Peter 3:15 (New International Version, ©2011)

15 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. But do this with gentleness and respect,

How many of you can say that the above verse is true for you? How many people have noticed your faith and questioned why you're 'different'?

I honestly can't say 1 Peter 3:15 is as true for me as it should be. I don't hide the fact I'm a Christian, but I've not had someone come to me and question my faith, it only seems to happen after I've told people about my faith!

 

[WileyCoyote]

1 Peter 3 describes a Christian who goes around living a morally upright life. Someone who does good to those who do evil to them.

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8-9)

I guarantee you, if you go around doing the bolded, someone is going to question your faith. The world operates by the "payback" system. You do something evil to them, they will pay you back. But if they see you doing good to those who do evil to you, you will stick out like a sore thumb. And they will wonder why. These types of people will even persecute you relentlessly.

"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. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:13-17)

You don't have to go around announcing that you are a Christian. If you live a life of obedience to the scriptures, they will know. And they will question you. When they question you, you can then give them an answer for why you behave the way you do. And you can tell them that you behave this way because you love the Lord. Because you love what is good and hate what is evil. But after you give them your answer, be prepared for inevitable attacks. Darkness hates light.

"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)

But take heart. If you are doing right and suffering persecution, it gives you plenty of opportunities to witness.

 

[dayhiker]

I can explain to people why I believe. So I'd say its true of me.

 

[BRISH]

1 Peter 3:15 (New International Version, ©2011)

15 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. But do this with gentleness and respect,

How many of you can say that the above verse is true for you? How many people have noticed your faith and questioned why you're 'different'?

I honestly can't say 1 Peter 3:15 is as true for me as it should be. I don't hide the fact I'm a Christian, but I've not had someone come to me and question my faith, it only seems to happen after I've told people about my faith!

What an excellent angle. Hm.

I'm trying to get back on course with my reading and one of the reasons is to be able to have scripture come to mind when someone asks me something. For right now though, I'm taking in my general walk vs talk and looking at it really honestly.

Thanks for this great reminder!

 

[Edwards1984]

1 Peter 3:15 (New International Version, ©2011)

15 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. But do this with gentleness and respect,

How many of you can say that the above verse is true for you? How many people have noticed your faith and questioned why you're 'different'?

I honestly can't say 1 Peter 3:15 is as true for me as it should be. I don't hide the fact I'm a Christian, but I've not had someone come to me and question my faith, it only seems to happen after I've told people about my faith!

My mother told me I've changed. As for sharing my faith, of course I do. And gradually I've becoming more and more bold in doing so. Earlier today I was listening to a podcast lecture on John Knox, and the boldness of that man to share the gospel even with the queen of Scotland astounded me, and inspired me to pray that God would give me equal boldness.

 

[Tim Myers]

I know you will tell me that this is irrelevant, but some people see returning insult with blessing merely as an open invitation to insult you all the more.........

 

[EyesOfKohl]

You are the light of the world. It is not possible to hide a city that is built on a mountain. They do not light a lamp and place it under a bushel, but upon a lamp-stand and it lights upon all those that are in the house. Let your light shine like this in front of the sons of man that they should see your works and they glorify good your father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16

I 've had people say I'm different from others and it gives me a chance to open up to them. I don't think what I say to them will change them, but it can plant a seed which out of curiosity can grow.