“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)
Have you ever tried giving instructions to a colleague at work, only to find yourself raising your voice or sounding aggressive? Most of the time, they tune you out or get defensive. But if you calmly and respectfully explain the same thing, they are more likely to hear you out. The message doesn’t just depend on what is said, but how it is said.
That’s precisely the heart of 1 Peter 3:15. Many believers boldly quote the first part of the verse, ready to give a defence for their faith. But we often overlook the second part: “But do this with gentleness and respect.” God is not only concerned with what we say, but also how we say it.
As followers of Christ, our message flows from the love of God. We are not just delivering facts; we are extending the hope of salvation. 1 John 4:8 reminds us that “anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” If the God we represent is love, then our conversations must reflect that same love. We don’t win souls through arguments or pride, but through truth spoken in humility, seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6).
This does not mean we ignore sin or compromise truth. True love never supports what is harmful to the soul. As 1 Corinthians 13:6 says, love “does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.” There is a holy balance. We must confront sin, not by condemnation, but with a desire to see transformation. There are times we must speak firmly, even sharply, but it must always be to build up, not tear down (Titus 1:13).
Reaching people for Christ is not just about being right; it’s about being right for them. It is about being effective. Harshness may win the argument, but it loses the soul. Our mission is not just to speak truth, but to say it in a way that opens hearts. This means approaching others with patience, wisdom, and prayer.
You have been entrusted with the message of hope. Share it boldly but do so gently and with respect. Trust the Holy Spirit to do the deep work. Speak the truth in love and let your words be a reflection of the God who sent you.
Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 82 -84, Revelation 1:20-2:1-17