Gentleness and Respect

When the topic of faith comes up, we should always be able to speak for ourselves. However, we should share what we believe with gentleness and respect.

1 Peter 3:15 makes the distinction to Christ-followers to honor Jesus in our hearts and share what we believe with gentleness and respect. Our faith doesn’t need to be aggressive, nor do we need to run another person over while we speak for ourselves.

As we consider gentleness, there is a truth that we should think about: Gentleness is an acknowledgement that there is strength, or power, but an intentional decision is made to be meek. Jesus is even an example of submitted control. At any time he could have accessed his divine authority, but he chose humility so that we could see true power in action. Therefore, we also know that we don’t have to overpower anyone.

We also extend respect to others when we talk about our hope in Christ, especially in the marketplace. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to share our faith with anyone who asks. When they ask about our motives, we share using "I" and "me" statements. We don't need to tell others how to live. We simply explain why we're different.

Respect also means honoring others desires. If they don't want to know more, we can respect their wishes. We respect their decision to decline hearing about Jesus that day, but we still love them, serve them, and pray for them looking forward to another time when they may want to know more.

For followers of Jesus, let's remember the fastest way to close someone off to our faith may be by aggressively trying to share. As God gently draws us, he can use us to gently draw others too.

Today, let's live what we believe and if given the opportunity, share with gentleness and respect.

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