Does it seem like the world is getting harsher? People are less patient, ruder with their actions in lines and on the road, quicker to say cruel things and start fights. The way of the world is to yell louder after being yelled at, and hit harder after being hit. The world, or the sinful nature inside people, leads folks down a vicious spiral of making things worse. God gives believers a better way.
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 honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense 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 behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:14-17
The terms in this verse “gentleness and respect” reminded me of Andrew Luck’s words when he was playing quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. He was mic’d up for a few games and his way with the players trying to tackle him was to respond politely and with encouragement. They tackled him to the ground and he said, “Nice hit big man.” “Nice hit buddy.” “Yeah buddy, good hit. Hey, you’re a menace out there.” “Good job man.” This seemed to make guys try to tackle him more carefully, or at least caused them to respect him more and be adversaries but not enemies.
Prov 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” That should be the believer’s way.
When facing someone who wants to make you suffer or makes slanderous accusations against you, use questions as a strategy to respond with gentleness and respect. Pastor Greg Lane modeled this strategy. Anytime I, or someone in a group I was in, would come up with a crazy idea, plan, theory, or complaint, rather than dismiss it as foolish (as I was prone to do), Greg would ask probing questions that would cause the one with the crazy thought to realize what they were saying was impractical or going the wrong way. Asking questions is one tactic to bring wisdom, perspective, and God’s truth to a situation where those are needed.
Take a moment to ask God to help you bring reasons for hope through gentle statements and respectful questions to those around you today.
Pastor John Riley