1 Peter 3: 15 But in your hearts revere 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,
Peter is offering advice to the Christians. They should return good for evil, because suffering for good will lead to blessings. This part, about witnessing, concludes with the thought that your good behavior will make those who speak against you ashamed of themselves. Our suffering reflects that of our Saviour.
It's not easy to welcome suffering, and it's not easy to be a witness to Christ in much of the modern world. You are met with skepticism and ridiculed for your quaint superstitions at best. But I agree that I must always be ready to witness. And I agree that any witness that is not done gently and with respect for the listener will be ignored, or even worse, turn people against the Lord.
Prayer: I am ready, Lord. I will be Your gentle, respectful witness in a world gone mad with greed and selfishness. I promise to stop everything to be where you need me to be. I will try to love all Your people as You do. I would like for the effects of faith in my life to become apparent to all who come into contact with me.
Amen
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