Crayons For Jesus


Monday, January 19, 2009 Print E-mail
...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

The Lord has done glorious things in all of our lives. Even if he had not, the saving grace which covers us daily and marks the path laid out before us is sufficient evidence of the wonder and true love of God. Because the Lord is our portion and we can turn to him whenever we need him, we have a lasting hope. Throughout the Bible we are guaranteed that our hope will not be cut off should it be grounded in the Lord and by faith we return to him daily for a renewal of our souls and minds. When our hope and faith is grounded in the Lord we become set apart from the world. While many of the world may scoff at us for our difference others will wonder what it is that keeps us going. They will wonder how it is possible that with the world crashing all around we could still hope and have peace.

When they ask these questions, a door to witness has opened. Remember, the Holy Spirit will provide you with the words and you can equip yourself with the promises of the Word that have been fulfilled in your life. When others ask you why you hope as you do or seem full of peace and joy, your reply will be that the Lord's grace has made it so. When you do this, you are not only giving glory to the Lord but you are fulfilling the commandment to witness to others. You are acting as the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

This verse however also provides a warning. When you witness you must do so with gentleness and respect. Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and will be evident in you when you begin to speak of God's saving grace and his great love. Do not witness to others damnation or condemnation for you will be skewing the Lord's character. The only reason there is hell is because the Lord is just and there must be payment for sin. The Lord out of love, however, sacrificed his son as payment and when you tell the story of the gospel you want the love and gentleness that the Lord has shown you to show to the other person.

Another important way we should witness is with respect. It is just as important to listen as it is to tell. Listening to what another believes and then sharing the story of the Lord in your life in turn will show that you are reasonable and trying to be understanding. When others share beliefs different than ours it is not right of us to put them on the defensive. As soon as you turn the discussion into a theological debate, you have turned open ears into ones shielded in pride. But if you surprise the other by respecting where they are you are better equipped to meet them in the middle and further the gospel. Be proud of the hope you have, remember the promises that have been fulfilled, and share them in gentleness and respect!

Dear Lord,
We praise you for your continued faithfulness. Jesus, you are our sacrificial lamb who was pure and become sin so that we might not die. You have brought us eternal life and granted us your grace. Your's is a hope and peace that cannot be cut off. Beloved, we ask your holy spirit give us wisdom to see the opportunities to witness and that he will grant us power to tell of your wonderful name. Help us to be mindful of others and help our hearts to see their position. Go before us and prepare their heart's ears to hear the gospel and help us to present it out of love just as you did. Help us to shine brightly and equip us to go and make disciples as you command. May all glory and honor be to you, the redeemer and lover of our souls, Amen.