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I Peter 3:15 - "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."
No doubt there are times that you have been ridiculed for your faith. As a matter of fact, we are living in a time now where making a mockery of the things and the people of God is the new national pastime. Friends, co-workers and well-meaning loved ones will at times encourage you to take matters into your own hands when it seems that someone is being disrespectful. They don't want to see you get hurt by the harsh words of others. Yet for those of us who believe God and are striving to honor Him, fighting our own battles is not an option. Peter says to us in this verse, first of all, do not be afraid or intimidated by your critics or persecutors, but reverence God in your heart. We must understand what we believe and why we are Christians. We must be able to articulate our beliefs, humbly, thoughtfully, reasonably and biblically. We are not to enter into strife, pointless arguments and anger with those who refuse to believe as we do. No matter what happens, or how we are rejected, the child of God has a hope. The work of the cross is finished and the promised salvation is our present reality and our eternal security. We are certain that Jesus is the answer and that even though we must endure some things now, He is coming back again just like He said. So when we are persecuted for Christ's sake and we humble ourselves, our motivation is not fear of man or what they can do to us. Our choice must be to reverence and honor God!
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