Faith's Account: Your Spiritual Journey's Ledger

The Bible teaches that Christians should always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks them to explain the reason for their hope. This is known as 'apologetics' – not apologising, but making a defence, like a lawyer. It's about showing your working – explaining why you believe what you believe, not just what you believe.

In a world of competing worldviews, it's important to be able to defend the gospel and correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. This doesn't replace the Spirit's working – the Holy Spirit uses apologetic arguments to clarify the truth of God's Word.

So, how do you stand for Jesus when following him is costly? How do you answer when someone asks why your faith is so important to you?

Firstly, be confident in your hope. Bible hope is Christian certainty about a glorious future. It's about being assured of a future inheritance that can never be taken away.

Secondly, be intriguing. Let people see your hope so that they ask you about it. Be fully engaged in university life, but distinct as salt and light. Flavour every conversation and shine God's light in the darkest places.

Thirdly, be engaging. Listen for openings and pray for opportunities to talk about your faith. Don't be afraid of offending people – let the offence stay with the gospel. Share your faith with gentleness and respect.

Be prepared to explain your faith to others

As a person of faith, you should always be prepared to explain your faith to others. This is a biblical principle found in 1 Peter 3:15, which says:

> "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."

• Know what you believe and why you believe it: Take time to study and understand the core teachings and principles of your faith. Be able to articulate why you hold these beliefs and how they have impacted your life.
• Understand the objections and questions people may have: Anticipate common questions and objections that people may have about your faith. This will help you prepare thoughtful and respectful responses.
• Share your personal testimony: Your personal story of how you came to faith and how it has transformed your life can be a powerful witness to others. Be ready to share your experiences in an authentic and relatable way.
• Focus on relationships: Explaining your faith is not just about conveying information; it's about building bridges and connecting with people. Genuinely listen to their questions, concerns, and objections, and seek to understand their perspective.
• Live a consistent life: The way you live your life will either reinforce or contradict the faith you profess. Ensure that your actions and words align with your beliefs, as this will add credibility to your explanation of your faith.
• Depend on the Holy Spirit: Pray and depend on the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom, boldness, and the right words to say when explaining your faith to others. Remember that it is God who ultimately changes hearts and opens minds.
• Stay humble and respectful: When explaining your faith, do so with humility and respect for the views of others, even if they disagree with you. Avoid being argumentative or defensive, and remember that your goal is to lovingly share the truth, not to win a debate.

Remember, explaining your faith is not about having all the answers but about sharing the hope and transformation you have experienced. Be prepared, dependent on God, and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in each conversation.

Do so with gentleness and respect

In 1 Peter 3:15, Christians are instructed to revere Christ as Lord in their hearts and be prepared to defend their faith to those who ask about their hope. This defence should be done with gentleness and respect.

Gentleness and respect are important because, while we may be eager to share our faith, we should not be arrogant or dismissive. We should not be condemning or insulting to those who disagree with us but rather explain our faith without harshness. This is because the goal is not to force our beliefs on others but to share the good news of redemption through faith in a respectful and gentle manner.

Gentleness and respect are also important because they demonstrate the transformative power of our faith. When we respond with gentleness and respect, we show that our faith has changed us and made us more like Christ. This can be a powerful witness to others and may even help lead them to faith.

Additionally, gentleness and respect are essential because they reflect the character of God. God is gentle and respectful towards us, and we should strive to emulate His character in our interactions with others. This includes how we share our faith.

Finally, gentleness and respect are crucial because they help maintain a clear conscience. When we respond with gentleness and respect, we can be confident that we have represented Christ well and that our behaviour will not bring shame to His name.

In all our interactions, we should strive to share our faith with gentleness and respect, just as Christ would have us do.

Don't be afraid to stand out

As a Christian, you will face challenges and pressures that will test your faith. In such situations, it is easy to feel afraid and want to "lie low" or "blend in" with the crowd. However, the Bible encourages us not to be afraid to stand out and be a bold witness for Christ. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't be afraid to stand out for your faith:

Confidence: Christians are People of Hope

As a Christian, you have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3). This hope is a confident expectation of a glorious future with God. It is not a mere wish or a finger-crossed hope; it is a certainty because it is grounded in the historical reality of Christ's resurrection. This hope is so transformative that people will take note and be intrigued by it.

Intrigue: People of Hope Will Be Asked Why

People will notice your hope and be curious about it. They will ask you about the reason for your hope, and this provides an opportunity to share your faith. Peter instructs Christians to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks [them] to give the reason for the hope [they] have" (1 Peter 3:15). This means being engaged in the world, connecting with both believers and non-believers, and letting your hope shine through your words and actions.

Engagement: When Asked Why, Know What to Say

When people ask about your hope, be ready to give a defence for your faith, also known as apologetics. This doesn't mean you need a degree in philosophy or theology; it means being able to explain why you believe what you believe. Know the reasons for your faith and be prepared to address common objections and questions. Resources like bethinking.org can help you with this. Remember, you are not just presenting the truth about Jesus but also persuading people with that truth.

Love: How You Answer Shows That You Care

When sharing your faith, do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Avoid being offensive or confrontational. Remember that your goal is to lovingly share the gospel, not to win an argument. Be patient, gracious, and compassionate, just as Christ is with us.

In conclusion, don't be afraid to stand out for your faith. Be confident in your hope, engage with the world, know what to say when asked about your faith, and always share your faith in love. By doing so, you will be a bold witness for Christ and impact the lives of those around you.

Don't be afraid to ask for help

Asking for help can be scary, but it doesn't have to be! In fact, asking for help can allow you to build a support network and get to know people better. It's important to remember that everyone needs a little help sometimes, and what you learn from reaching out will help you pay it forward.

Maintain Independence by Showing Initiative

Do some research and be prepared before asking for help. If you have an appointment, make a list of your questions and be ready to take notes on the answers. Having notes in front of you will help you stay on track if you get nervous or flustered. It is also a good idea to be able to show the effort you have already made. Communicate what you have tried and what options you have already explored to demonstrate your dedication and make the process feel more collaborative.

Don't Forget Self-Serve Resources

Sometimes you can find answers on your own, without having to contact anyone. There may be resources available to you, such as websites with answers to frequently asked questions or chatbots that can address common issues. These self-serve resources can help you get answers quickly and independently.

Use Proper Etiquette

When you need to reach out to a specific individual, it's important to use proper etiquette. Communicating with staff or instructors can be intimidating, especially if you're not confident in email or phone etiquette. Fortunately, these are learned skills that require practice, and there are often resources available to help you improve.

Remember that Staff are There to Help

Instructors and staff appreciate students who are actively engaged, communicate, and are willing to seek information. It can be intimidating to ask for help, but remember that they are there to support you and want to see you succeed.

Asking for help is an important part of having an account for your faith. In 1 Peter 3:15, it is written, "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." This means that we should always be ready to explain our faith to others when asked, but we should do so in a gentle and respectful way.

Similarly, in 1 Peter 1:3, it is written, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." This verse reminds us that our faith gives us a living hope, and we should be prepared to share that hope with others.

However, it can be challenging to talk about our faith with others, especially if we feel like we are standing alone or need to be self-sufficient. We may worry about what others will think or fear that asking for help will cost us relationships. But it's important to remember that we are not alone in our faith journey. There is a community of believers who can support and encourage us.

Additionally, asking for help can be an act of humility and gratitude. It can help us grow in our faith and deepen our relationships with God and others. So, don't be afraid to reach out to God and others when you need help or guidance. Remember, we were created to be in community and relationship with one another and with God.

Be patient and gracious

Patience and graciousness are virtues that are highly regarded in the religious context. Patience is about enduring discomfort without complaint, and it involves other virtues such as self-control, humility, and generosity. It is often tested in daily life, whether it be while waiting in line or dealing with irritating colleagues. Being patient also means being gentle with oneself and others, understanding that everyone is going through their own struggles. This is especially important when it comes to interacting with family, friends, and colleagues.

In the Christian context, Jesus Christ is regarded as the epitome of patience, as he endured the annoyances and foolishness of his disciples without complaining. He showed remarkable self-control and humility, even when faced with frustrating situations. Christians are expected to emulate Christ's patience and be "slow to anger" (James 1:19).

Graciousness, or grace, is also a significant virtue. It is often mentioned alongside God's mercy and patience in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. Grace refers to God's goodness toward those who deserve punishment but are instead shown favour. This grace is freely given and is not something that can be earned through works or merit. It is a gift from God, and it is through this grace that salvation is achieved.

In conclusion, being patient and gracious are essential qualities for anyone seeking to live a virtuous life, especially from a religious perspective. Patience involves enduring discomfort without complaint and practicing self-control, humility, and generosity. Graciousness, or grace, is about receiving God's unmerited favour and extending that same favour to others. Together, these virtues help cultivate a more peaceful and compassionate attitude towards oneself and others.

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