Being Ready to Share

In a world full of uncertainty and despair, hope stands out. As followers of Christ, we possess a hope that is truly extraordinary – a hope that can catch the attention of those around us. But are we ready to explain this hope when asked?

Peter’s instruction to “always be prepared” suggests that sharing our faith isn’t just for designated evangelism times or when we feel particularly spiritual. It’s a constant state of readiness, an everyday preparedness to speak about the source of our hope.

This readiness doesn’t mean we need to have all the answers or be able to win every theological debate. Rather, it’s about being able to articulate why we believe in Jesus and how this belief impacts our lives. It’s about sharing our personal story of encountering God’s love and grace.

Being prepared also involves living a life that prompts questions. Peter precedes this verse by encouraging believers to set apart Christ as Lord in their hearts and to live with integrity. When our actions align with our professed beliefs, people notice. They see something different in us – a peace amidst chaos, joy in difficult circumstances, love for those who are hard to love. These qualities can spark curiosity and open doors for conversations about our faith.

However, being ready to share our faith doesn’t mean being pushy or argumentative. Notice that Peter says to give an answer “to everyone who asks you.” This implies that our primary task is to live in such a way that people want to know more. When they do ask, we should be ready with a gentle and respectful response.

So how do we prepare? First, it involves deepening our own understanding of what we believe and why. This means regularly engaging with God’s Word, not just for information, but for transformation. It means wrestling with tough questions and not being afraid to admit when we don’t have all the answers.

Secondly, it involves reflecting on our own journey of faith. What led us to believe in Jesus? How has our life changed since we started following Him? What difference does our faith make in our daily lives? Being able to articulate our personal experiences with God can be powerful in conversations about faith.

Thirdly, being prepared means staying attuned to the world around us. Understanding the questions and challenges people are facing can help us communicate the hope of the gospel in relevant ways. It means being a good listener, seeking to understand before being understood.

Lastly, being ready to share involves relying on the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that when we’re called to give an account for our faith, the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say (Luke 12:11-12). This doesn’t negate our need to prepare, but it does remind us that ultimately, it’s God’s work in people’s hearts that brings them to faith.

Timothy Keller, a prominent contemporary pastor and theologian, offers a profound insight: “We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works.” This succinctly captures the essence of our faith and our readiness to share it. Our salvation is a gift of grace, not earned through actions. Yet, this grace should naturally lead to a life of good works that reflects the hope we have in Jesus.

When we grasp this truth, our lives become a living testimony, prompting others to inquire about our hope. This understanding equips us to share our faith authentically, emphasizing God’s grace while demonstrating its transformative power in our lives.

Godseekers, I challenge you today to take some time to reflect on your own journey of faith. What is the reason for the hope that you have? How would you explain it to someone who asked? Let’s commit to being always ready, not just with rehearsed answers, but with authentic stories of God’s work in our lives.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Help us to live in a way that reflects this hope to the world around us. Give us wisdom and courage to share the reason for our hope when opportunities arise. May our words and actions always point others to You. Prepare our hearts and minds to be ready to share Your love with gentleness and respect. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

1. What aspects of your faith journey might resonate most with someone who doesn’t yet know Christ?

2. In what areas do you feel least prepared to explain your faith? How can you grow in your understanding of these areas?

Step of Faith

This week, practice sharing your faith story in 2-3 minutes. Try recording it on your phone and listening back. Focus on clearly explaining why you put your hope in Jesus and how it has impacted your life. Then, pray for an opportunity to share this story with someone who doesn’t yet know Christ.