2 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 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…
Upon reading this verse you are probably wondering why it was included in this month’s devotions since it doesn’t seem to be talking about patience and doesn’t mention it at all. But it is similar to the devotion we had on Day 7, 2 Timothy 4:2, and continuing what we had started learning there would be beneficial. Thus, it was included.
Peter’s second epistle was written to a group of Christians who were dealing with false teachers within the church, shortly before his martyrdom. There were great threats to the church internally, which Peter wanted to resolve, rather than addressing persecution from outside. He encouraged them to grow in their faith, with Christ’s return being unknown but thought to be soon.
He encouraged them to revere Christ as Lord, not anyone else. He went on to say always be prepared to answer those who asked the reason they had hope. But in order to give an answer, we must know what we believe and what God’s Word has to say. That means we need to be well versed in important points such as salvation, grace, eternity, and so on.
Peter reminds them to do this with gentleness and respect. We must show patience to those who ask about our hope. We respond with gentle words and show the utmost respect for them regardless of how they might treat us. We respond with love, patiently explaining and planting seeds that will hopefully be fruitful.
The same is true for us today. Each of us must be prepared to answer and should demonstrate patience when explaining. We must understand how to respond, which means we need to be in the Word regularly, learning and studying so that we are prepared to give an answer.
Prayer: Lord, Help me to build a solid foundation of faith so that I am prepared to patiently give an answer when asked about my hope in You. Amen
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