Prayer to be a bold witness for Christ
Author: Emily Rose Massey
Bible reading:
“…But honor Christ the Lord as holy in your hearts, and be always ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do it with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV).
Listen or read below:
My family is blessed to live near the beach, so we often spend the day with our toes in the sand. The other day, after finishing school homework early (we were homeschooled), my sons and I headed to nearby Bay Beach, about 20 minutes from our house, for some fun in the sun. We found our spot and I set up my beach chair. The boys then threw away all their sand toys and got ready to dig some holes with the construction vehicle and build a sandcastle. Shortly after we got there, other younger kids wanted to join in on the fun. They came up to us and picked up one of the shovels. Their grandmother soon came over and apologized for the little intruder. I promised her I wouldn’t mind playing with her toys. As we got to know each other, we started chatting and enjoying each other’s company.
Suddenly a man came up to us with a Gospel tract and started talking about Jesus. My new friend immediately shut him down and said he wasn’t interested in talking about religion. He politely left and my heart started pounding. I knew I needed to seize this opportunity to speak the truth in love and tell her about Jesus Christ. After explaining that I, too, was encouraged by the man’s boldness because I was a Christian, I began to lovingly challenge her false beliefs about the Lord Jesus. She pushed back a bit, but I managed to share the gospel with her. She thanked me for sharing my faith and eventually went home with her family. This unexpected evangelistic encounter started a great conversation with my sons about how important it is to be ready to talk about our love for Jesus.
1 Peter 3:15 says: “But sanctify Christ the Lord in your hearts, and be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and respect.”
One way we honor Christ as holy is by fearing Him more than we fear others. Often we are afraid and hesitant to have gospel conversations with people because we don’t want to offend them or experience embarrassment or rejection. Preaching the good news is one of the most loving acts we can do toward those who do not have a saving relationship with Jesus or who believe lies about Jesus and His words. We glorify Christ by walking in accordance with the Great Commission that He has given us (Matthew 28:16-20).
Peter told us to always be ready to share why we have hope in Christ. How are you mentally preparing to share that hope? As followers of Christ, we must fill our hearts with God’s Word, diligently study the Bible, and become masters of scripture memorization. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34), so let’s make sure our hearts are filled with God’s truth. We can also prayerfully prepare in our missionary work, knowing that it is the Holy Spirit who gives us strength and wisdom. God provides us with abundant grace when we feel inadequate, intimidated, or awkward.
Finally, we must remember that our words should always be spoken with meekness, respect, and respect (both toward Christ and toward others). Never be pushy, arrogant, or disrespectful when speaking to others about your faith or the Word of God. 1 Corinthians 13 (Love Chapter) helps us determine whether our actions and words toward others are truly loving. Also, we should never see people as arguments for victory, but as souls in dire need of the hope of Jesus Christ. As followers of the Lord, we have the joy and privilege of boasting about His saving work and sharing that good news with others. May the Lord strengthen us and give us the boldness to share God’s truth and gospel to this lost and dark world!
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father,
Help me to see the opportunities around me to share the hope that is within me. Even if people try to reject your message, don’t let it get in the way of what you have called me to be your disciple: preaching the good news to all people and making disciples of all nations. I rest in your grace to give me strength when I feel threatened or perplexed. Please help me to fear and respect You more than anyone else. Make me hungry for Your Word so that I am ready to tell others about You and Your ways. Thank you for saving me and calling me to tell others about your great saving love.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
Discuss today’s devotion with others in the “Daily Prayer” thread in the Crosswalk Forums.
Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/GordonImagess
Emily Massey started writing short stories and poems at a young age, entered the world of blogging in her early twenties, and published her first book in 2015. While she enjoys being a homeschool mom to four boys, she is also able to pursue her passion as a writer. She believes much is forgiven, loves much, and desires to teach others about Christ and His saving and transforming power, especially by sharing the truths found in God’s written Word. To connect with Emily, please visit www.emilyrosemassey.com.
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