What holds you back from telling others about the good news of God’s unconditional love? What keeps us from sharing Jesus as the only way to have our sins forgiven and go to heaven?

Peter exhorts us in 1 Peter 3:15, NIV: “But in your hearts set apart 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.” 

Why would Christians be asked to give a defense of their faith? Because a Christian’s behavior and example should stand out as attractive. When we live God’s way of life, our example will shine like a light in this dark world (Matthew 5:16). 

Giving a defense for your hope and beliefs should always be done with an attitude of “gentleness and respect.” The opposite would be arguing with a spirit of arrogance and disrespect. Christians should always share their hope in a spirit of regard and compassion.

Christians should constantly be studying God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15), growing in faith and knowledge, living a moral life, and showing kindness and love for others (2 Peter 1:5-7).

Father, we confess and repent of every lame excuse for not telling others about Jesus and serving others (for example, I don’t know how, I’m afraid of rejection, it’s not my gift, I don’t have all the answers, etc.). Luke 10:2 says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” May we be courageous laborers who work diligently for our Lord today. 

Some people reject God’s Word, and others refuse Jesus Christ. However, what people can’t ignore is the results Jesus makes in our lives. The more intimately we know Jesus, the more believably we can make him known. The transforming work of the Spirit results in making us more like Jesus: loving others, even those who do not love us; serving others, even those who reject us; and praying for those who are lost, even those who reject or persecute us.

When people see the joy of Jesus in our life and our willingness to serve, they will want what we have. Let’s choose not to hide our salt in a saltshaker or our light under a basket (Matthew 5:13-16). Be brave and step into your day with confidence!

Empower us, Lord, by the authority of your Spirit (Acts 1:8), to realize and respond to our calling to be your witnesses, ambassadors, and ministers of reconciliation. As the hymn suggests, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Who will know that you’re a Christian today?