Do you know why?

Dear bloggy friends,
Most of you here with me know Jesus. We are united in our bond of Christian faith. We speak church-ese. Have you ever tried to explain it to a non-believer? Have you been challenged by someone who is completely against Christianity?

The past several days, I've had the privilege of sharing and discussing my faith with a self-proclaimed athiest. Sadly, he shared that few Christians will take the time to discuss WHY they have the faith they do. Few of them will defend the scripture on which they base their faith. He said that most get angry and call him hateful things. (I realize not everyone would be that way toward him. He was never disrespectful with me.)

First Peter 3:15 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..."

I needed to examine my faith journey a bit to answer his questions. I wasn't fully prepared. I KNOW what I believe. I KNOW I follow the One True, Living God. But to articulate it to someone who doesn't know... that wasn't so easy. How about you? Are you prepared?

It's not enough to be prepared to give the account, though. Can you do it with gentleness and respect? Or would you get defensive? Would you argue?

God is LOVE. Is that what I share when I speak? When I write? When I stand in line impatiently at the Walmart check-out counter? When I grab the parking spot before the other car waiting there? When I say, "I don't have time for you right now."?

Believers, are we prepared to share our hope in love? What would you say to my friend if he asked you?