Giving a Logical Defense

“But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.” 1 Peter 3:15 AMP

This passage in Peter indicates an assumption that if we hold Christ in our hearts and reverence Him—recognizing that He is holy and honoring His lordship—we will make a noticeable impact on the world. As we live out our lives, people will be drawn to us and will ask about what they are seeing! Peter notes hope but we also see in other areas of scripture that people will see our works and glorify God and that they will recognize we are Christians because of the way we love others. It is a beautiful thing to allow the Lord to take center stage in our lives; to allow Him to shine.

So Peter is telling us that we need to live in a way that honors God and that we also need to be ready to give a logical defense for the hope that shines through us. Hope is a very attractive attribute in a person. In an age where many people are without hope; without an expectation and anticipation (esp. of good, as we Christians have), a hopeful person shines like a beacon in the darkness. So we must be ready to tell them what’s happening in us. Are you ready to do that? Have you practiced your “3-minute gospel synopsis” so that you can share quickly and effectively whenever you are given the opportunity? If not, start working on that. Maybe you might share 1) where God brought you from 2) the fact that Christ is the Savior who give hope and 3) that the hope is for everyone who wants to receive Christ.

Finally, Peter admonishes us to do this with courtesy and respect. Other translations say “gentleness and respect” or “meekness and fear”. The fear in this verse indicates and appropriate reverence for an almighty God. That is the only “fear” we should have because God has not given us the spirit of fear [timidity and faithlessness] but of power, love, and a sound mind. So with gentleness and respect for others and with a reverence for God, we share the reason for the hope that is in us. Praise God!

…the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. - Psalm 147:11