Upper Loft Meditation - 1 Peter 3

“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 you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.” - 1 Peter 3:15

Here is a great exhortation for believers about our hope and a very important qualifying statement about our response to others.

1. “always” - at any time, often when you least expect it, from any body - people you know and even from strangers.
2. “be prepared to give an answer” - this implies that you take time to think through YOUR answer before you are asked.  What is it about your relationship with Christ that gives you hope for today?  Your hope will impact what you say and how you live.  Are you ready to explain yourself?  You should have both a 2-3 minute short answer and a longer, “let’s sit down and I can share my story with you”, answer.
3. “give a reason for the hope that you have” - This implies that your hope is observable, either in what you say or in how you act.  Your visible hope will produce in others a great question.  How can this person be so hopeful?  Truly, light shines brightest in the darkest places.  For many people the hope you have will be considered out of place!

Your answer to the query about your hope should reflect the very nature of Jesus.  Your answer is not to be an aggressive attack or a defiant defense, but as one beggar sharing food with another.  Your words should be filled with kindness and tenderness as you speak about God’s mercy, promise, and faithfulness to you.

When people observe you, will they say you are hopeful or hopeless?