“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,” (1 Peter 3:15)

The Apostle Peter packs three big ideas into this one verse. Breaking it down we have (1) Revere Christ as Lord, (2) be prepared for people to ask questions about your faith, and (3) provide your faith statement with “gentleness and respect.” These three ideas, while separate and unique, form a consistent pathway to sharing our Christian faith. First we need to live our lives in accordance with scripture and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Living in this way will then be seen by others as our worship. And abiding by all Christ Jesus has asked of us will point onlookers to Jesus through our actions. Living holy Christian lives, will ultimately cause the questions to come. Questions like how did you remain calm under that circumstance, and how can you treat that person so kindly after… These are the probing questions of people searching to find what you have – Christ Jesus in your life. And when these questions come, Peter says that you need to be prepared. Prepared to provide the true and only reason for calmness in times of stress, the true reason to find mercy in a conversation full of slander towards you. Prepared to exclaim the good news message of God’s salvation for mankind.

The message of hope and love – the message of Christ Jesus. But Peter also cautions, even with the complete truth in hand, we cannot push it onto others. The truth and good news message of the gospel needs to be stated plainly but with “gentleness and respect.” Following this three step pathway, defined in today’s verse, will not only help all of us attempting to follow its guidance, but also create the best opportunities to expanding God’s kingdom.