But in your hearts set apart 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
So I started reading this book today and it has been a good and convicting read thus far. I readily admit that I haven't been great when it comes to evangelism. It is something I want to be far more intentional about. Part of my struggle, or perhaps the majority of my struggle, is not with the "be prepared to give an answer", but more with how does one even get to a place where someone is asking. Does that make sense? This verse strikes me as more reactionary (in a good way) than intentional. Obviously if someone asks me for the hope I have, I need to tell them. I want to tell them. But what if no one is asking? Do I steer the conversation? Do you "force" these types of conversations/discussions? A big part of me rails against canned, programmatic ways to share the Gospel. Yet there is at least an intentionality that I often don't have. For instance, the other night at Olive Garden with Heather...the gentleman at the table next to us handed the waitress his payment along with her "free pass to heaven." He was very gentle about it. He was respectful. However, she hadn't asked. I can get critical when I see that, yet that's probably to just cover up my lack of boldness at times.
Well this has all gotten very stream of consciousness style...guess that what happens when you're a full time blogger. Peace.
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