Giving an Account

"But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ 

will be put to shame."

1 Peter 3:14-16

There's not a lot of respect for Bible believing Christians in our culture, but maybe some of that disrespect we have brought upon ourselves. We can't expect people who don't know the love of Christ to understand our belief, much less accept it. Especially if we're speaking harshly to them. It's incumbent upon us according to scripture to defend our faith gently and with respect.  Before we believed we were enemies of the gospel. (Or have we forgotten that?) Now that we know the truth of Christ that has set us free, it's our responsibility to share it with others. We don't need to fear any intimidation they may try to use. We only need to pray and ask God to give us the words He has for us to share. Even the smallest amount of words we use can have a large impact if they are given to us by God and are delivered with love and kindness. It worked for Jesus. It will work for us.