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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3: 14-16 [NIV]
Last weekend I was on duty outside Asda offering “Healing on the Streets” with the revive team, when I was approached by a man in his 70’s who asked me “what are you selling?” I explained that actually we were not selling anything, rather offering the opportunity for prayer to any that wanted it – at no cost. A five minute conversation ensued. It became clear that this man had great respect for the bible but perhaps had been influenced by the media view of the world and the church, and although he had an image of a strong and powerful God, he perhaps didn’t believe the church today held the same views. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this further with him, or perhaps someone else will take over the discussion at a future opportunity.
I believe that if we are visible as Christians (and very rarely am I as visible as when standing outside Asda handing out leaflets and praying for people), then we may have daily opportunities “to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have”. But it is very important to remember that we are to do this “with gentleness and respect”. If we are brutal and arrogant, or careless and conceited, then we will not communicate our hope to the people around us.
What are we hoping for, and why do we have this hope?
If the disciples could perform healing 2,000 years ago, can we not hope to heal people today?
If Jesus died for our sins and promised us eternal life, can we not hope to experience this?
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:23-25 [TNIV]
