Lisa Sheffler, author

One of the main reasons Christians give for not talking about Jesus is fear. We don’t want to offend anyone, or seem judgmental. In a secular culture like ours, we’re afraid we’ll be ridiculed for our faith. These concerns are nothing new. In fact Christians throughout history and in other countries today have faced much worse for being public about their faith.

The early church faced suspicion, ridicule and derision, and in some cities harassment and outright persecution, so the apostles taught them how to respond. In 1 Peter, the apostle instructs the churches in Asia minor to stay faithful in times of distress. In the verses we will look at today, he teaches them how to be a witness for Christ, no matter what their circumstances.

Read

1 Peter 3:15-16

¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 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, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

According to these verses, what should Christians be prepared for?

How should they respond to questions about their faith?

Reflect

God is bigger and more awesome than any human threat, and his greatness should motivate us on two levels. First, we should have a reverence for God that outweighs any fear of others. We obey him and hold tightly to his truth. Second, we recognize that Christ is our protector and trust that he will take care of his own.

Even during difficult times, there should be something different about Christians — a peace and light so evident that people not only take notice, but ask about it. Even in ordinary, daily life, we should live as people filled with hope. As others observe the way we endure hardship, make decisions, treat others, and talk about our faith, there should be something worth noting.

The things that set us apart should be magnified when people observe Christian communities doing life together. We should display Christ’s love, care, mercy, and compassion even more brightly as we come together as his church. While we are never indifferent or naïve about the concerns of the world, Christians should display abundant hope in Jesus.

And how do we respond when they ask about this hope? With the gospel. We answer honestly — that our hope comes from Jesus Christ. We tell them the good news of what Christ has done for us through his life, death, and resurrection. The Spirit living in us should set us apart and invite notice. Our beliefs and our lives should be in concert.

Now we should remember that Peter is not prescribing a method of evangelism in these verses. We don’t have to wait to be asked to talk about Jesus, and we will probably not get to share the entire gospel in one conversation. Yet, in the relationships that we are building with all kinds of people, we can show people that they are known and loved. If they believe that we genuinely care for them, then they might accept what we believe about Jesus.

Peter tells us to answer with gentleness (or some translations say courtesy) and respect. Once again the Bible calls us to a countercultural way of doing things. Even if we are not facing direct persecution, others may respond negatively to our beliefs. The gospel is offensive to many people. It assaults our pride and calls us to admit that we are sinners who need God’s mercy. We are asked to trust that God’s ways, and not our own, are best. The grace of God is scandalous because it allows sinners to escape divine justice by punishing an innocent man instead. In light of the gospel we can’t nurse old wounds or wallow in guilt. We are called to forgive and accept forgiveness. It’s a radical way of life that we should demonstrate, not just proclaim, because that’s what makes the gospel believable.

We shouldn’t be surprised when people are upset by the gospel, but we should make sure that they are offended for the right reasons and not because we’re acting in ways that are obnoxious, condescending, strident and/or shrill when defending our beliefs. The best way we can represent Christ is to be like him by respecting others and living out what we say we believe.

Respond

In what areas would you like to shine more as a Christ follower so that you invite more people to wonder about the hope you have?

Why is it important to respond to non-Christians with the truth of the gospel and gentleness and respect? What happens when we stress one without the other?

Mission Partner Spotlight

Today we’re continuing to highlight some of the global workers that Christ Fellowship supports. All over the world, they are sharing the gospel, working to strengthen local churches, and serving communities. You can find out more about all of them on the Christ Fellowship website.

Jon and Mary, East-West Ministries

East-West exists to mobilize the Body of Christ to evangelize the lost and equip local believers to multiply disciples and healthy churches among unreached peoples and/or in restricted access communities. Jon and Mary are global workers supported by Christ Fellowship who minister in Cuba.