Gentleness

1Peter 3:13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. (NLT)

Look at this part again, 15b "And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16a But do this in a gentle and respectful way."

The scripture has a great deal to say about being gentle. Gentleness is even one of the fruits of the Spirit. Yet we make heroes of tough, get the job done no matter who gets hurt in the process type people.

In sharing our faith Peter tells us to be gentle. We cannot force anyone to become a believer. If we live in such a way that our "hope" shows others will want to know about that. They may not receive it, but they won't be able to deny its authenticity in our lives.

Today live like the Hope of Heaven really is yours. Live gently as if Christ really is in charge. Show His gentleness to others and be prepared to share that hope.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr