Prepared to Answer

05/08/2025

“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 (NIV)

Imagine being asked a question that you should know the answer to, but you freeze. Maybe it was in school, at work, or even in a casual conversation about your faith. You know what you believe, but the words don’t seem to come out right. That’s exactly what Peter is speaking into in this passage: the call to be ready, not just intellectually, but spiritually and relationally, to speak about the hope that fuels your life.

Peter is writing to believers who were facing persecution. Their faith wasn’t just being questioned, it was being opposed. And yet, in the middle of suffering and struggle, Peter tells them not to argue, not to retaliate, but to revere Christ as Lord. That’s the starting point. When Christ is Lord of your heart, everything else, including your answers to others, flows from that deep well of hope.

Notice the instruction: “Always be prepared.” This speaks to intentional living. We’re not meant to react to the world in fear or defensiveness, but to respond with clarity and compassion. Whether it’s a coworker who wonders why you don’t gossip, a neighbor who’s curious about your peace during a crisis, or a child who asks why you pray, these are divine opportunities to give a reason for the hope you have.

But Peter doesn’t stop at content, he speaks to the tone: “with gentleness and respect.” This is where many of us get it wrong. You can have the right answer and still get it wrong if you say it with pride, sarcasm, or a judgmental spirit. The goal isn’t to win an argument; it’s to win a heart. The Christian witness should be so saturated in humility and love that even those who disagree walk away respecting the Christ you represent.

Let’s live lives that raise questions, lives marked by peace in the storm, joy in the mundane, forgiveness in the pain, and purpose in every moment. And when the questions come, let’s be ready.

Her are a few things that you can do to help you on your journey.

Reflect:
What’s your “reason for the hope you have”? Write it down in a few sentences.

Practice:
Role-play sharing your faith story with a friend or mentor.

Pray:
Ask God for opportunities today to speak gently and respectfully about your faith.

Prepare:
Study key scriptures that anchor your hope (Romans 5:1-5, John 14:1-3, Hebrews 6:19).

Live in such a way today that someone becomes curious about the hope you carry. And if the moment comes to speak, speak with courage, kindness, and Christlike clarity.

Lord Jesus, You are the hope within me. Help me revere You fully in my heart so that my life reflects You clearly. Give me words to speak when others ask about my faith, and help me share with gentleness, wisdom, and love. Let my witness point people to Your grace and truth. In Your name, Amen.

Pastor Jeff

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