Thursday, August 11, 2011

Gentleness and Respect



“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 is in you. 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 3:15-16 (Emphasis Added)

Always be prepared, the scripture says. Unfortunately, I cannot say that I always am prepared. There is something to be said about being knowledgeable about scripture and talking to others on an intelligible level. But there is also something to be said about relying on the Holy Spirit for the right words to say at the proper time. The thing that catches my attention the most however, (if you haven’t already guessed) is the gentleness and respect part. A lot of Christian people have the “giving an answer” part down, but not everyone has mastered the “with gentleness and respect” part. Too often, even the most well-meaning Christians take it upon themselves to CONVINCE others that “Christianity” is the right way. Nowhere in scripture does it say we should have to convince anyone of anything. After all, WE CAN’T! “No one comes to the Father unless the one who sent me draws him.” – John 6:24- The scripture does say that we should give an answer for our hope (with gentleness and respect). Getting into heated debates, discussions, and arguments with others over this stuff is NOT respectful, in fact, God tells us not to have anything to do with these kinds of things. (2 Timothy 2:23)

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