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Decisive—The Love Choice

The Scriptures tell us to always be ready. We are to have a primed ear, a keen eye, a loving heart, a willing mind, and a ready tongue to give a reason for the hope that is within us. This isn’t a defensive war. We are not to quietly wait for the world to approach us and ask for a reason as to why we believe what we believe. It’s not normal to have fish come to you. You go to them.

First Peter 3:15 says to “always be ready.” Scripture tells us when we are to reach out to the lost: always. It also gives us our field of endeavor: everyone. Don’t write off a soul as hopeless. First Corinthians 15:58 says, “My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Second Timothy 4:2 tells us to be ready at all times: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” 

Notice that the admonition doesn’t say to give the reason. It says to give a reason. Here are a few of the many, many reasons I’m a Christian:

• Without Jesus, I’m a dead man. I’m dead in my trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). Without God’s amazing grace, His wrath remains on me, and I am justly destined for hell (John 3:36).
• Without a Savior, my understanding is darkened. I’m alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in me because of the blindness of my heart (Ephesians 4:18). Without Jesus I’m blinded to the gospel, hopeless and helpless, held captive to sin and the devil, still in darkness (2 Corinthians 4:4).
• With Jesus, I have everlasting life. My sins are forgiven. I have joy unspeakable and peace that passes all understanding. I have a purpose in this life and a living hope in the next (I Peter 1:3). I also have a reason to exist, praise the Lord. This brings me to tears of gratitude.
• As a Christian, I’m no longer tormented by the fear of death (Psalm 23:4). God has opened the eyes of my understanding, and He is now a reality. The Scriptures are alive to me. The love of Jesus Christ not only dwells in my heart but also extends through me to the lost.

What are your reasons for responding to the love of Christ and becoming His? Write down your reasons so you will be ready.