Variety: 1 Peter 3v14–16

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behaviour in Christ may be put to shame.  1 Peter 3v14–16  

Have you ever had someone ask you why you’re so happy or so kind – and felt uncomfortable about it, or been unable to give an answer? Often these questions come out of the blue, when we’re not expecting them.  
 
Every day, we meet people who don’t know Jesus. They live on our streets, in our blocks, and in some of our homes. We work with them, laugh with them, and walk past them on the street. People wonderfully made in the image of God, yet to know the joy of his love, the hope of his presence, and the peace of his kindness. The very people Jesus came to earth to save. When these people see us, they have an opportunity to see something of the love of God, if only we let them see his love in our actions.  
 
1 Peter encourages us to prepare to give an answer, gently, respectfully, and with integrity. You’ve taken time to read and pray today, so why not take a couple of minutes to reflect on the reasons you have for your hope? How many can you list? Some may be small, insignificant to others but important to you; others might be the kind of cosmic realities that we know through the life of Jesus.  
 
Question: Is there a person in your life that you’d like to share this hope with?  

Prayer: Holy Spirit, inspire my mind and my thoughts so that when people ask me to explain the hope I have, or the joy I have, or the reason I do something kind, my thoughts turn to you. Help me to give good answers, point to you, and share my story of hope with the people on my heart and the people I meet. Amen.

London Institute of Contemporary Christianity