Being Ready to Make a Defense, by Jennifer Widmer (4/19/20)

<p>It is not always easy to make a defense as we are encouraged in <strong>1 Peter 3:13-16</strong> <em><strong>"</strong></em><em>And &nbsp;who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? &nbsp;But even if you should suffer for &nbsp;righteousness' sake, you are blessed. 'And do not be afraid of their &nbsp;threats, nor be troubled.' But &nbsp;sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and </em><em><strong>always </strong></em><em><strong>be</strong></em><em><strong> ready to </strong></em><em><strong>give</strong></em><em><strong> &nbsp;a defense</strong></em><em> to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with &nbsp;meekness and fear; having a good &nbsp;conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good &nbsp;conduct in Christ may be ashamed."</em></p> <p>"More relationships die because of indifference than due to fighting." While it is often viewed only through the lens of the preaching of the Kingdom, we are reminded that the Kingdom is all about relationship. As believers we all challenged to find that sometimes elusive point of tension in all relationships between fight or flight, between being too aggressive or lacking boldness. Ultimately, the goal is to reveal the Father over "being right". To listen to and engage people, being ready to give a defense whenever needed with gentleness and readiness. Be encouraged by this challenging and masterfully articulated word!</p>