But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.
1 Peter 3:15-16 NET
How do you respond if someone asks you why you are a Christian? What if they ask you why you believe in God? Or what is your hope as a follower of Jesus? Can you give a reasonable response?
Most believers cannot provide in-depth theological responses to the questions some people might ask. But Peter tells us that we all should be able to offer a simple explanation to those who ask why we are believers, what God has done in our lives, and what we are looking forward to.
And he tells us always to be ready with an answer. We never know when someone might ask us why we follow Jesus, go to church, or don’t do the same things others do.
As we answer, Peter tells us to do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience. That is easy to do when the questioner is courteous and respectful. But it is much more challenging when they are being confrontational or belittling your faith. And it is even more important then that you remain courteous and respectful. Don’t give them any excuse to accuse you of wrongdoing.
But this instruction is not just applicable to unbelievers who question us. Other believers may question you as to why you believe certain things. A new believer may be seeking to grow in their faith. Or someone may want to know why you hold a different belief.
Give them the best answer you can. And do it with courtesy and respect. Even when the one asking you is argumentative and disrespectful. Don’t stoop to their level. Instead, set an example for them.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Col. 4:6).
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph. 4:29).
