But in your hearts set apart 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.
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
We may be called to testify to our faith and face consequences of harsh reaction by the opposing forces in the world. We must be reminded that we are here to minister to the gospel message. We cannot recapitulate or cower, but having Jesus as our Lord does not mean that we bulldoze over others with this important eternal reality. Gentleness and respect are the character traits of those who have Jesus as their Lord. After all, Jesus loved others enough to die for them. Jesus even asked for those who crucified him and those who mocked him as he died to be forgiven. Having such a Lord means we have prepared a response when we are given an opportunity to share the basis of our hope in him. Those around us may not appear interested, but many are seeking for something they have not yet identified. Let’s be ready when their time is right to meet Jesus!
Holy and gracious God,
please give me wisdom
to see the opportunities
to share the love of Jesus
with those around me.
I ask you to especially help me
be able to share Jesus
with several of my friends
that I now mention by name…
_________________________
__________________________
Father, please give me the gentleness
to do this redemptively,
showing them the same respect
Jesus did with those
to whom he ministered.
In the name of the Savior,
your Son Jesus, I pray.
Amen.
Ken Crawford 