Get Real November 16 Devotional
November 16, 2024
1 PETER 3:16 | 16 yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.
Witness for Jesus requires more than a readiness to suffer and preparation to offer a defense of our faith. What we say is vital but so is how we say it. Defense sounds like a military move to thwart an attack, but this is unfortunate. Witnessing all aims to win over the curious, the indifferent, and also the oppositional. Being non-defensive is key for this last case. Gentleness and even reverence, or holy awe, should characterize our explanation of what we believe to be true. We come to conversations not so much as experts marshaling facts, but as needy and humble human beings who have been given underserved love and mercy and are very grateful for it. We need to see beneath someone’s sophisticated boredom to their unsatisfied desire for joy or significance. We need to sense under someone’s criticism of God, a child who needs to be united with their real and unknown parent.
When you share your faith, are you gentle and reverent?
Gracious God,
Show me what to say to open hearts and minds and also how to say it. I ask in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
