Our Scripture reading today is 1 Peter 3:14-16.
Verse 15, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
What is the reason for our hope? How are we able to live through difficulties and still have the joy of the LORD? Are we able to take God's Word and show someone what God says about how to have eternal life? We must be able to say that we believe something because God's Word says. It should start with those closest to us. Are we prepared to show our children from God's Word why we believe something? Before we give answers to everyone in this world, we need to be able to articulate what God's Word says regarding how to live our lives for His glory.
This message should be delivered with meekness and fear. 1 Peter 3:4, "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." Our motivation for speaking truth ought to come from a heart of love for God and others. Ephesians 4:15, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" Who else is going to speak the truth but the people of God? Start today where you live and move out from there.