defence

A carpenter was giving evidence about an accident he had witnessed. The judge asked him how far away he was from the accident.

The carpenter replied, "Twenty seven feet, six and one half inches."

"How can you be so sure of that distance?" asked the judge.

"Well, I knew some idiot would ask me. So I measured it!" replied the carpenter.

Like that carpenter, Christians need to be ready to give an answer: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (I Peter 3:15)

But, unlike that carpenter, we need to exhibit the proper attitude when we do. I like the way the "God's Word" translation translates the last part of this verse: "Make your defense with gentleness and respect." Those are two very important qualities as we try to explain to others why we believe the way that we do or why we live the way that we live.

When our Christian faith is explained in a harsh or disrespectful manner, it will not convince many, no matter how powerful the evidence is that we present. But an explanation given with gentleness and respect will make a tremendous impact on people.