1 Peter 3:15-16, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”
Everyone has an inner need to be loved and accepted. Having a kind and caring attitude while serving others can shine a light on someone in need even if you have been treated unfairly. It can be one way to be a witness to others because of the comfort and love God has shown to you. It can be a way of earning trust and respect from the other person. “Peter tells his readers that they should be ready to give a reason for the hope that they have in Christ. Note that this explanation for their hope comes only when they have considered themselves blessed, refused to panic and worry, and acknowledge Christ as Lord over their unfair treatment. When that happens, people on the outside will see their behavior and marvel: “How can you put up with this kind of treatment? I would have snapped by now!” Here Peter’s overarching theme of Christ as the source of hope in hurtful times rises again to the fore.” Chuck Swindoll.
Do you always look to your heavenly future? We all get so busy with being busy. Taking a break in my day and walking on our paseos (paved walking paths) helps put my thoughts in perspective that I need to rise above whatever conflict is going on because I will be above someday with Christ. The sky, seeing any clouds, and the greenery along these walkways make me think how much more beautiful heaven will be than the flowers and trees I see along the pathways. It is hard to imagine.
Everyone has anxiety, fears, frustrations, angst, and has made mistakes. So how would you answer this question if someone asked you why you have hope in life? What keeps you going? Our conduct, Peter says in 1 Peter 2:12 NIV, is how to respond in being a light for Christ, as he said, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds, and glorify God on the day he visits us.” You may not be able to debate eschatology or theology, but you can share that Jesus saved you. You are not perfect, but you are a child of God (Romans 8:16) who strives to have a clear conscience free of guilt and shame for sins confessed and forgiven by God. It takes total commitment and wise decisions to live in obedience to God in a heartfelt decision to do your best and what is right. One’s integrity will speak for itself, so you won’t always have to. That is your defense due to the lordship of Jesus Christ in your life as you (I) need to honor God in all we do. Winning the respect of non-Christians takes having and maintaining integrity so our conscience is clear and speaks for us. Hard times allow us to seek Jesus and rise above the circumstances because we will be above someday!
Listen to Phil Wickham – The Jesus Way (Official Music Video).