"Do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.” 1 Peter 3:16

Lord God, So often when I’m giving a testimony of my faith, I feel so much pressure. I feel pressure to convince them. I feel pressure to convert them. Sometimes I even feel pressure from them. Sometimes when people ask me about my faith, I feel as if I’m under attack from them, like they’re pinning me to the wall. In those situations, Lord, I respond like one under attack. I get out my sword and I argumentatively and aggressively come after them with whatever I have on the tip of my tongue and the front of my mind. That’s hardly the gentleness and respect that Peter urges here. Lord, when I’m asked for an answer, help me to remember that your Spirit is the one who fights, convinces and converts. I’m just a witness on the stand. I’m just telling the story. Your Spirit, Lord Jesus, is the one who will convince and convert. And when I’m attacked, help me to remember that I am just a messenger. It is your Word and your Kingdom. And no one enemy can stand against that. You will defend your Word; you will defend your church. All you ask me to do is let your Word loose like a lion from its cage. I don’t need to defend you or your Word; you will do that. Lord, then, make my answer gentle and respectful as one simply telling a story of salvation and giving the reason for the hope I have. Amen.

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