Today is Sunday and twice from different sermons this same verse from the Bible was referenced. Felt like it needed to be shared one more time!

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Aways 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 3:15-17)  (Emphasis mine)

Joy is becoming more and more elusive for those who place their hope in this world. Fyodor Dostoevsky said this, “To live without hope is to cease to live.” Therefore, discontent, anger, and violence abound around us.  

Is your hope in Christ evident in your circle of influence? Are your words spoken with gentleness and respect and in clear conscience to everyone? Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that are an abomination to the Lord. (That means He more than hates it!) Number seven is “one who sows discord among brothers.” 

That would be an easy trap to fall into today in our divided society and country.  What REALLY matters though? Arguing someone over to your side for the win or honoring Christ as Lord by sharing your beliefs about Him with others. That’s the conversation we should be having. Hope in Jesus should be our topic of conversation every chance we get.

So uncover your hope if it has become buried by spending some face to face time with Jesus and in His Word. Ditch the distractions of the Facebook post sucking you into the abyss.  Check your conversations and see if gentleness and respect prevail. And when the light of the hope in you catches someone’s eye, be prepared to give them a reason.  God will give you the words.  No worries!  To God Be the Glory!