True Sweetness: 9 Days to Growing in the Fruit of the SpiritSample

Live Out Loud

"But in your hearts revere 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." I PETER 3:15 NIV

It had been a couple of years since the sales reps had last seen each other, but the regional sales conference brought them back. Together again, they took advantage of the break times to reconnect, and the conversations often turned lively. “You remember those girls we met at the bar that night?” Dave nudged Chuck with a knowing laugh. “Want to try our luck again this time?” he added, hoping to elicit some spontaneous adventure.

But instead, Chuck lowered his head and paused. Then, turning to face Dave, he braved telling him the truth about what had happened in his life. “I’m not the same guy you knew then,” he began, relaying how his former way of life had led to some serious soul-searching. In his quest for meaning and purpose, he encountered Jesus. “And He changed everything.”

Over the course of the next few days, Dave saw for himself the dramatic difference in Chuck. By the end, he couldn’t keep his questions to himself any longer. “Listen, it looks like you’re really onto something,” he admitted. “Can we talk some more? You’re the first Christian I’ve ever met who seems to be the real deal.”

Unfortunately, many unsaved people have had negative experiences with religious people or hold harmful misconceptions about who God is. When we share our faith with them, we will gain more ground by first listening well and then responding with gentleness and understanding to the hurts they’ve experienced and the questions they have. When someone knows we care about them, they’ll be more open to hearing what we have to say, especially when they know we live out what we profess to believe. God’s Word reminds us that it’s the kindness of God that leads people to repentance. Let us be the kind of witnesses who represent the grace and patience of our Savior well. God’s Spirit will take care of the rest!

Lord, help me to be ready to give an answer for why I've put my faith and hope in You. Open up doors for me to share my faith in a compelling way that leads others to You. In Jesus's name. Amen.