1 PETER 3:15 (NIV) - “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

This is a passage from a letter written by the Apostle Peter, one of the twelve disciples, to the early Christians in several regions of Asia Minor to encourage them in their faith as they were being persecuted. He is reminding them of the suffering of Jesus Christ who died for them so that they may have hope for the future. This verse reminds them to keep Christ in their hearts as the one true Lord and to witness to anyone who asks about their hope. He also instructs them in the proper way as a Christian to share their testimonies, so that they do not insult or offend those they communicate to.

While we Christians living today in the USA do not have to fear persecution like the early Christians, there are many “gods” in our world that compete for our affection. Peter’s admonition to keep Christ in our hearts as the one true Lord is also true for us today. His advice to the early Christians about the behavior they should exhibit to those around them is as pertinent today as it was then. When we give our burdens to the Lord and receive the peace He has promised, we live in the hope that Peter refers to in this passage. It is likely that others will notice and ask how this is possible. We are to give our testimony as a personal experience so that everyone may do this regardless of our knowledge of the Bible. In this way we can each be disciples to witness for Christ. Peter also reminds us that we are not to be boastful or to elevate ourselves above those we may talk to who are not Christian. We are to witness with humility.

Submitted by: Barbara & Bill Lewis