What Christians Should Say When Asked
Earlier, I began a discussion about our talk as Christians. How are we to respond to the ugly talk that is everywhere these days? I gave the first step in how to show Christ in response to others ugly talk. Now let’s discuss step two.
1 Peter 3. Verses 7 & 8 say,
” Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.”
Don’t Live Like Unbelievers
1 Peter 3:13-17, we read …
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!
In the first post, I spoke of how we should Keep Christ as Lord of our lives. This will draw all men to Him. Today, let’s talk about what to say WHEN they ask about your faith.
When asked about your faith be ready to answer.
Our lives should be like a magnet to unbelievers. It should make them so curious that they just have to ask what is so different. They will want what we have. They will wonder how we are able to get through the tough times in our life. They will be surprised when we do not return evil talk with more evil talk. That is when we will be given the opportunity to share our hope in Christ. Then, because we are steeped in the Word, we will have the right words to say and with the right attitude.
Note that the scripture says to answer gently and with respect. We should always remember to continue in love as we share our hope. We should not be condescending or “holier than thou”. Be kind and considerate sharing the Gospel; how Jesus Christ came to save sinners. We can leave the convicting to the Holy Spirit.
That’s how it was when Jesus was on earth. His love and compassion brought the throngs of people to Him. You might notice that the only times that Jesus became angry or used hard language was with ‘religious leaders” who were not living appropriately as a follower of God. (But that is a sermon for another day.)
My Challenge today is to focus on Jesus.
Read the Word. Memorize the Word. Then when they ask, you will be ready with an answer concerning your faith. A place to start in scripture memory would be the scriptures used on our page, How to Know Christ.
If you need some help with scripture memory. I use a free app called scripture typer. You can join a group where verses are already chosen for you or you can build your own library of scriptures you want to read. This program helps you memorize by having you type the verse, then removing words that you must fill in the blanks, and finally, type the whole thing from memory. Once you have it memorized, it will occasionally remind you of the verse to see if you still remember it.
I have created a Memory Team
to get you started. go to Scripture typer
Then join a group. Ours is Mandy and Michele Team Right now you will need to scroll down to the bottom to find us. As people join, our team name will rise up the list.
Let’s get memorizing!
See you there!
Link to Part 3 of this series here
Pastor’s Wife (retired) & Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.
Your post reminded me of one of our scriptures this morning. Do good, hate what is evil.
yes. I think we would draw more to Him with kindness than what is spoken today in many cases.