Share Christ with all gentleness and respect
Read 1 Peter 3:1-22
"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" (1 Peter 3:15).
What Does This Scripture Mean for Us?
Ever since the day -- would you believe it's been more than 54 years ago?? -- I first turned my life over to Jesus, I have been generally eager and willing to tell people about Christ, about his love for me and for them.
But, being filled often with more zeal than good sense, I haven't always been ready or able to share Christ with "gentleness and respect." Especially when I was a young lad, it was hard to understand witnessing by my actions and attitudes toward others as well as my words.
Think about it -- do you REALLY believe people come to Jesus because of your stand on the latest political issues? Or how you feel about the latest problems in our society and culture? And do you really think one person has turned his or her life over to Jesus because Christians held protests over objectionable films or music?
I have found time and again that the most effective way to bring people to Jesus is with personal gentleness and respect -- a respect that loves and accepts "sinners" just the way they are, allowing the Holy Spirit to "clean up their lives," not trying to force them to change their lives as I see fit.
Share Christ today -- and do it with gentleness and loving respect.
