According to 1 Peter 3:15, Christians are called to be prepared to give an answer or defense (Greek word for apology, as in apologetics) for the hope that we have. But in this age of shrill voices and all CAPS and exclamation points (!!!) on Twitter and Facebook, we are reminded that our defense should be offered with gentleness and respect.
According to 1 Peter 3:15, Christians are called to be prepared to give an answer or defense (Greek word for apology, as in apologetics) for the hope that we have. But in this age of shrill voices and all CAPS and exclamation points (!!!) on Twitter and Facebook, we are reminded that our defense should be offered with gentleness and respect.
While social media is filled with angry rants, it is wise for Christians to be careful that our well-meaning posts focus on Christ and what faith and life in Christ looks like. Being the Church Militant does not mean that we are Militant Christians. Nor does answering others with gentleness and respect mean that we are pushovers. Bearing Christ’s name to the world means that we demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit rather than mirroring the tactics and techniques of the world.
But when we speak the truth in love, with gentleness and respect, there is no guarantee than the enemies of Christ will treat us with respect in return. In fact, we should expect quite the opposite. When Peter encourages Christians to be prepared to give an answer, it is part of a larger section where he addresses how they will suffer for their faith.
He writes, “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for
righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that
is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:13-17)
We should not be surprised at all by misquotes, truncated videos, efforts to put the worst construction on things or even lies. We need not fear those who can hurt the body, but cannot hurt the souls. Our response is to simply suffer for righteousness’ sake by doing good. The teaching of God’s Word is incompatible with what is commonly
accepted in our culture today. Whether it is the Bible’s teaching on creation, salvation in Christ alone, God’s
design for marriage, or life within the womb, Christians often face vitriolic opposition that knows no bounds. The wise, mature Peter reminds us that it is better to put away our swords and simply suffer for doing good.
Christians should not be hesitant to engage in the public sphere as citizens. Just don’t surprised by how you are treated. But it is also comforting to know that those words were written by St. Peter, the most brash and impulsive of the disciples. He was the one who cursed, swearing that he did not know Jesus after boldly say that He would never fall away. He was the one drew his sword and cut off the ear of the High Priest’s servant. He was the one whom Jesus restored because he did not always give an answer with gentleness and respect.
There are times when the treatment of the world evokes in us a strong reaction. But our purpose in responding is not to be right or win the argument, but to tell others about the hope that we have in Christ. So if we are to suffer, let us suffer for doing good. Our response is always to point others to Christ and not distract them with angry reactions that mirror the world, but gentleness and respect. May God strengthen us to confess the faith even in the face of suffering!
Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan