What's Your Reason?

Mixed with encouragement and inspiration, Peter firmly instructs the suffering Jewish Christians to always be prepared to give a reason for their hope. These new believers were experiencing severe persecution, testing and trials for their new faith in Christ. Their lives were being watched by unbelieving neighbors, family and friends, employers, etc and they needed to be ready to answer the question, "What is it that you believe that gives you such hope amidst your suffering?"

We have no idea the extent of pain and suffering these Jewish Christians endured. We will never know what they gave up in order to follow Christ. Our suffering may not compare to theirs, but we are still required to be prepared when people ask us for the reason for the hope we have.  What's your reason?

"...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." (I Peter 3:15)  Let's break down this verse:

1) Always be prepared to give an answer ....
This is not an option; this is a command. God expects it from us. It doesn't mean that we have to have all the answers to deep, theological questions, but we do have to be prepared to give an answer. Not a "Just because" or "I'm not sure" answer, but one that's sincere; a true testimony of your relationship with God.

2) ...to everyone who asks you....
It doesn't say, "in case anyone ever asks you" or only to people who understand where you're coming from (i.e. fellow believers, etc.). We are to be prepared to answer anyone and everyone - regardless of who they are and what they believe or don't believe. If they are asking, they are looking for an answer!

3) ....to give the reason for the hope that you have.
You know you have hope...in your salvation, in Christ, in your future, etc., but can you explain it so others will understand it? You may be going through a trial and people are noticing how you're handling it and they are asking about your hope - what do you say? 

In order to know the reason, we have to understand it ourselves! We need to understand God, His Word and what He wants to do for others. We need to understand our own, personal relationship with God and be able to explain how our life has changed because of it. We need to understand other people and recognize that when they ask, and they will, they are searching for something. They want and need the same hope you have and if we're not ready to give them a reason, they will move on to someone and/or something else.

4) But do this with gentleness and respect.
Responding with gentleness means not getting in their face when they ask, condemning them of their unbelief, etc. Nor do we  brush someone off by saying, "Oh, you wouldn't understand" or "I don't know how to explain it to you." - this is disrespect and will be interpreted as such immediately!

Do you know the reason for your hope and are you ready to share it when, not if, someone asks? Being prepared with your answer takes an effort on your part and the enemy will do all he can to distract you from completing it. Don't give him another victory today.

Take time to write out your response in your own words, recalling personal experiences where God has been and continue to be your comfort, support, strength.....your hope!