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1 Peter 3:15
Always be prepared to answer anyone who asks, give the reason for the hope that you have. This verse makes two very big assumptions in my opinion. The first is that we have and understand our hope. The Second is that this hope is so big and prevelant that people just have to ask how we do it. How do we live the way we do. How are we the way we are... especially in these tough times. In my experience these are very very big assumptions to make. Why is it that today you cannot tell the Christians from the non-Christians. Is it because the world is so much better than it was in the time of Peter. Well certainly we have some different morals which we might consider better than the pagan culture of that day. But we also have some problems that are more prevelant. Or is it that we Christians today are just not doing as good of a job. Perhaps we are not filled with all the enthusiasm that they had back then. I mean after all its been 2000 and some odd years since Jesus ROSE FROM THE DEAD. Whatever you think it is I want you to notice. The verse does not say that that people will ask you about your morals. No it says you will be asked about your HOPE a definate difference. So I have to ask. Are you living you life with hope. If the answer is no then I have to ask why not. What is it in your life right now that is keeping you from living a life of hope. Whatever it is I suggest you hand it over to Jesus and then walk away let him handle it. If you say your are living a life of hope, then is it such a hope that draws people in and forces them to ask... How do you do it? What is it that allows you to live this way? Becuase let me tell you something you already know. The World is losing Hope. Global warming, Sex trafficing, Hunger, Homlessness, Child Soldiers, Cooruption of Governments and businesses. And in tha face of all these things if you live a life of extreeme hope then others will ask you and be drawn to that hope.
You will notice the last part too. It says to give them the reason for your hope with respect and gentleness. When you offer them the shining light of Hope that is our Lord do so with respect. It is not your place to judge and call attention to faults and failures. This is the complete opposite of and offering of hope. Also do it with gentlness. I said a second ago it is not our place to judge, Keep in mind also that your are offering them the light of the world which no shadow can hid from. When you give them the light od Hope that is our Lord it may feel to them like you have justkicked them out of a black cave where yes they may have been hopless, but at least they could hide that and anything else that they felt was wrong with them. In the Light nothing can be hidden and this can be painfull and uncomfotable for them. Therefore Gentleness is key when Showing them the Light, especially if you do not want them running back into the darkness and hiding there forever, and being consumed by it. It is by our love that they will know us but it is our hope that will draw them to us. remember that as you go out into the world. Find your hope and keep it infront of you always live your lives in such a way that others are drawn to you compelled to find out what it is that is so different about you. Pray that you are always ready to give the answer when they ask. Be ready.
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"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."
Always be prepared to answer anyone who asks, give the reason for the hope that you have. This verse makes two very big assumptions in my opinion. The first is that we have and understand our hope. The Second is that this hope is so big and prevelant that people just have to ask how we do it. How do we live the way we do. How are we the way we are... especially in these tough times. In my experience these are very very big assumptions to make. Why is it that today you cannot tell the Christians from the non-Christians. Is it because the world is so much better than it was in the time of Peter. Well certainly we have some different morals which we might consider better than the pagan culture of that day. But we also have some problems that are more prevelant. Or is it that we Christians today are just not doing as good of a job. Perhaps we are not filled with all the enthusiasm that they had back then. I mean after all its been 2000 and some odd years since Jesus ROSE FROM THE DEAD. Whatever you think it is I want you to notice. The verse does not say that that people will ask you about your morals. No it says you will be asked about your HOPE a definate difference. So I have to ask. Are you living you life with hope. If the answer is no then I have to ask why not. What is it in your life right now that is keeping you from living a life of hope. Whatever it is I suggest you hand it over to Jesus and then walk away let him handle it. If you say your are living a life of hope, then is it such a hope that draws people in and forces them to ask... How do you do it? What is it that allows you to live this way? Becuase let me tell you something you already know. The World is losing Hope. Global warming, Sex trafficing, Hunger, Homlessness, Child Soldiers, Cooruption of Governments and businesses. And in tha face of all these things if you live a life of extreeme hope then others will ask you and be drawn to that hope.
You will notice the last part too. It says to give them the reason for your hope with respect and gentleness. When you offer them the shining light of Hope that is our Lord do so with respect. It is not your place to judge and call attention to faults and failures. This is the complete opposite of and offering of hope. Also do it with gentlness. I said a second ago it is not our place to judge, Keep in mind also that your are offering them the light of the world which no shadow can hid from. When you give them the light od Hope that is our Lord it may feel to them like you have justkicked them out of a black cave where yes they may have been hopless, but at least they could hide that and anything else that they felt was wrong with them. In the Light nothing can be hidden and this can be painfull and uncomfotable for them. Therefore Gentleness is key when Showing them the Light, especially if you do not want them running back into the darkness and hiding there forever, and being consumed by it. It is by our love that they will know us but it is our hope that will draw them to us. remember that as you go out into the world. Find your hope and keep it infront of you always live your lives in such a way that others are drawn to you compelled to find out what it is that is so different about you. Pray that you are always ready to give the answer when they ask. Be ready.
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