WINNING ANSWERS
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 behaviour in
Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (NIVUK)
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God's truth has its own inbuilt power. We can never force people to believe in Jesus
- trust grows as they discover that Christ is trustworthy. Our task is to explain who Jesus is and what
He has done, so that others will be persuaded to take action (2 Corinthians
5:11) by repenting and turning to follow Him.
One of the reasons the Holy Spirit has been given to us is so that we
can announce Christ with confidence (Acts 1:8).
We are called to be the light of the world (Matthew
5:14-16), our lives of love encouraging people to enquire about Jesus. It is natural that they should ask questions
about our faith and the reason we behave differently. But if it is not obvious that we respect the
questioner, how will they know that God loves them: and if we do not win their
trust, why should we expect them to trust the Lord? So, we need to honour them by sharing our
faith gently, respecting that each of them is also made in the image of God
(Genesis 1:26).
Good behaviour is a clear witness of Christian character. It should be the backdrop against which
people ask questions, seeking the reason for our gladness and courageous
endurance. It is also the best defence
against accusations of double motives, manipulation and other features which
mark membership of a cult. Of course,
some will still find any excuse to ridicule believers, but their mocking should
eventually give way to a sense of shame for having slandered the innocent.
Hostility can bring out the worst in us. A violent or
cynical question might make us want to respond with aggression: but Proverbs
15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up
anger.” Jesus let the wicked condemn
themselves: His silence proved their guilt and His innocence (Isaiah 53:7) (1
Peter 2:23). So, when the spotlight is on us, because we belong to Christ, we
have no need to think of clever arguments or powerful words to win the
argument. Simply say what is true about Jesus and let the Holy Spirit convince
them of their need to repent and receive the Saviour (Luke 12:11-12).
God of truth and love. Thank You that I know the daily
presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Please forgive me when I disown Him
by failing to live for Him or speak about Him. Please help me to present Your
truth graciously and to live a holy life, so that others may be convicted of
their sin, and long to find their Saviour. Even when they refuse to respect me,
help me to go on loving them, as You do. Help me to trust that You will use my
gentle words and Christ-like lifestyle to show them it is possible to repent
and be saved. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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