1 Peter 3:15
“but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”
I like this description of sharing Christ, “always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you”. It’s sharing the hope in us.
What normally makes me nervous about evangelism is bringing it up when they aren’t asking. This seems to go poorly. Both of us seem glad to be done with the conversation.
However, when they ask, they’re curious. They have a need. They might not understand how the faith is lived out in our lives. Peter describes it as the “hope in” us. Possibly that’s what they are craving.
Describing the hope in us is explaining how our faith helps us. That’s something we can share enthusiastically. It’s like someone sharing a their secret diet. It works for me. It will work for you.
An amazing benefit is the joy of His presence. Romans 8:16 says, “His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” This is so comforting. So much doubt and fear are expelled. More than that, it’s the comfort of His presence. We get the vibe of Him.
If we are around anxious people, we are affected. Because we are around the loving God, we get that. His peace and love envelop us. This is part of that hope. It’s a little difficult to explain. Almost like describing Yosemite Valley to a blind person.
People know pain and hurt. They will connect with a caring God.
Lord, help us to be effective in sharing the “hope in” us. Bring those that need it.