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1 Peter 3:15
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
Having Jesus as our Lord does not mean we bulldoze over others with this crucial 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 God to forgive those who crucified and mocked him as he died. 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 seek something they have not yet identified. Let’s be ready when their time is right to meet Jesus!
My Prayer…
Holy and gracious God, please give me the wisdom to see opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those around me. I especially ask you to help me be able to share Jesus with several of my friends, who I now mention by name… (Take time and mention several people specifically by name.) Father, please give me the gentleness to do this redemptively, showing them the same respect Jesus demonstrated with those to whom he ministered. In the name of the Savior, your Son Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Bible References
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1 Peter 3:15
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.
I love how this verse begins, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.” Before we can even begin to witness to others about what Jesus Christ has done for them, we must revere Christ in our own hearts as Lord first! When they see that Jesus Christ is real to us, and that we purpose to live in obedience to His Word, then they may inquire about Him for themselves. We, as children of God, are to be reflectors of His Light to this very dark world that is headed for a lost eternity without Him. May we never forget that this is the reason we are here is to be witnesses for Christ and to bring honor and glory to God by doing so.
When the unsaved see glimpses of God in us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, they may ask us questions about this great hope that we have in Christ. As our verse says today, we should be prepared to give an answer for all questions that they may ask us about our wonderful salvation through Jesus Christ. This is why it is crucial for us to read and study God’s Word each day, all the answers we will ever need are in the Bible. But we can’t know it if we do not read it! There truly is not one thing in your day that you can do that will benefit you more than reading and meditating upon Scripture. We do not read the Bible for God’s benefit…He wrote it and already knows what it says. God designed us to need His instruction for life, and when we get that teaching through His Word each day, our day will go so much better! And we will be able to give a good or timely word at just the right time in answer those questions that may come our way.
Proverbs 15:23
A person finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word.
We must remember however, to give our answers with gentleness and respect towards others. This verse does not give anyone license to argue or get angry with one another when discussing things of the Lord. There should be no trace of harshness, bitterness, or animosity in our voice or attitude when sharing Jesus with someone. We may have to lovingly agree to disagree with them if they are being unscriptural, but anger should be absent from the dialogue! Our goal is to convey the love of Christ to them by being loving in our words and deeds.
Thank You Lord Jesus for coming to this earth to redeem my soul to God through the shedding of Your precious blood. I love You so my Redeemer and desire to serve You with every breath I have. Help me to share Your love with any that You put in my path this day, for Your glory, Amen!