For those of us who will be seeing non believing family and friends this week at Christmas gatherings, our key verse should not be one the familiar Christmas passages, but 1 Peter 3:15. Some in our family might not know the Good News deep in their hearts. There will be plenty of people gathering caught up in the heated, divisive rhetoric of the day. Some will have no hope that things will get better. There will be those suffering from life circumstances. Others discouraged over so many things.  Hence for this week of family gatherings and seeing relatives you haven’t seen since last Christmas– 1 Peter 3:15 should be on all of hearts!

What does 1 Peter 3:15 say?  Glad you asked. Here it is: 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

Let’s be prepared to share the reason for our hope! But do so as Peter instructs with gentleness (Nothing argumentative. Don’t hit anyone over the head with your Bible) and respect– even if they disagree they need to leave the conversation knowing that you deeply love them.

May God bless you as you are prepared and are ready to share the reason for the hope that we have in Christ!