The Reason for Your Hope
Date: April 20, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: "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." (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Dear God, as we read this verse, please help us to understand how we can honor Christ as Lord and be prepared to share the hope we have in Him with others. Guide us in doing so with gentleness and respect. Amen.
E - Explore the History and meaning: The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to the early Christian church in Asia Minor, which was facing persecution from the Roman Empire. The verse encourages believers to be ready to give a defense of their faith, but to do so in a way that is gentle and respectful. It's a reminder that we should always be prepared to share the hope we have in Christ, but to do so in a way that reflects His love and character.
S - Study and savor the Key Words or Phrases:
"Revere Christ as Lord": To hold Jesus in highest regard as our Lord and Savior, submitting to His authority and following His teachings.
"Always be prepared": To be ready at all times to share the hope we have in Christ, whether it's through words or actions.
"Give an answer": To provide a response or explanation for the reason we have hope in Christ.
"With gentleness and respect": To show kindness and consideration when sharing our faith, treating others with dignity and honor.
S - Summarize and Share:
1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to always be prepared to share the hope that we have in Jesus Christ with gentleness and respect. As we navigate our daily lives, we can be intentional about seeking opportunities to share the love and truth of Jesus with others, whether that be through our words or actions.
For me personally, this verse is a reminder to always live in a way that reflects Christ's love, and to be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about my faith. It can be easy to feel hesitant or unsure when it comes to sharing our faith with others, but when we remember the hope and joy that we have in Christ, we can approach those conversations with confidence and grace.
I believe that this verse is just as relevant today as it was when it was written, and that there are countless people in our lives who need to hear the hope that we have in Christ. Take a moment to think about how we can share the hope we have in Christ with others. Is there someone in our lives who needs to hear the good news? Let’s be bold and courageous, and share that hope with the world around us!
Bible Cross References:
Colossians 4:6 "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
Matthew 10:28 "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
Philippians 1:27 "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel."