1 Peter 3:15-16 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Verse 15 is the famous one here, but different translations divide the verses differently, and in typing it all out in Japanese, I gained further insight. We need to keep this in context, realizing that Peter is talking about suffering for righteousness, as it says in verse 14. In that situation, remembering that Christ is our holy Lord is important, because He suffered incredibly for us. A Christian’s ability to endure suffering can be very impressive, and that’s what verse 15 is talking about. Nobody notices if you’re just going along like everybody else. However, if you maintain peace and even joy when suffering, or are even under active persecution, then people pay attention. Again, translations differ, but the Japanese makes it clear that we are to be ready to share our hope in Christ “with anyone, at any time.” We probably won’t have a nice little tract with us in that moment, though it’s not bad if we do. What is important is that the message be clear in our heart. We can’t share convincingly something we aren’t fully convinced of ourselves! Our attitude in sharing is important too. Coming across as feeling superior, talking down to people, will never win them to repentance and faith. If you act that way, people will feel fully justified in persecuting you! It comes back to acknowledging Jesus as our holy Lord. If we will do that consistently, then all we do will flow out of His character in us, and that is attractive indeed.

For many years I have bemoaned what I saw as my lack of evangelistic gifting. It’s true that my gifting and calling is as a teacher, but a close friend called me down on that point just yesterday, saying that particularly as a pastor, I need to not focus on negatives, but rather encourage everyone – including myself – to make full use of what they have been given, what they can do. If we will do that, then just as in the parable of the talents that Jesus told, (Matthew 25) what we can do will be multiplied, for God’s glory. I’m sometimes frustrated with that friend because of his strong denominational, organizational mindset, but God can certainly speak through Him as well. I have long desired that every member of this church blossom as a witness for Christ, but I have been blind to the ways in which I myself have hindered that. Now that it’s starting to happen, I need to encourage it and not get in the way!

Father, thank You for this clear Word. Thank You also for the opportunity to share hope with a lady the day before yesterday. May I indeed be Your instrument to do that with anyone, any time You give me the opportunity, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!