Prepared
| Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened." 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. (1Peter3:13-18) |
The term "prepared" is synonymous with being "ready to deal with a situation," as per the Cambridge Dictionary. In 1 Peter 3:15, we are urged to set Christ as Lord in our hearts and be constantly prepared to give an answer to anyone who inquires about the hope we carry. This "answer" or "defense" is translated from the Greek word "Apologia." Different Bible versions employ various words, but the message remains clear: we are to be ever-ready to provide a logical and courteous response to those seeking to understand the source of our hope in Christ.
The Apostle Peter penned this letter to Gentile Christians residing in various foreign lands. His intent was to encourage and assure them of God's unceasing grace. As Christians, we are thus called to always be prepared to explain the hope we have in Christ, not for the sake of argument but with a clear conscience, showing gentleness and respect to ultimately bring glory to God. In doing so, we fulfill Peter's message and exemplify a living faith, serving as a testimony to the world.
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Lazarus Chirwa, Husband to Alice, Father to; Faith, Florence, Favour, Felicity and Felicia. Serving at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Kitwe, Zambia.
