Reason

“Always be prepared to give and answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”  (1 Peter 3:15)

I tend to be an over-thinker. I analyse and overanalyse and consider things from every angle I can think of. This is especially true of words and how people use them. I often find myself thinking, “I wonder why he said that” or “I wonder why she chose those words”. I even do this when studying the Bible.

In his first letter, Peter wrote to encourage and exhort believers living in very difficult circumstances. In the context of faith-based persecution, he instructed his readers to maintain a level of preparedness to answer everyone who asked about their Christian hope. Except, he didn’t word it like that. The sentence is drawn out and, from my perspective at least, a little clunky. I wonder why? It turns out, Peter was very specific in the words he used.

Firstly, he exhorted believers to be ready to “give an answer”. The Greek here is ‘apologia’, from which we get the word ‘apologetics’ - meaning, a defence. Peter wants his readers to be ready to defend their faith. Secondly, he urged Christians to defend their faith to everyone who asks for the “reason for the hope that [you] have”. Reason here is ‘logos’ in Greek, meaning logical or reasonable. Peter specifically instructed his readers to be ready to defend their faith with logical basis for their hope. So, how do we do this? What is the logical basis for Christian hope?

My mind immediately goes to the prophet Jeremiah. Pouring his heart out in bitter lament as he considers the Beautiful City (Jerusalem) now in ruins, he wrote these wonderful words: “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” I see three solid anchors for Jeremiah’s hope here.

First, he reflects on the Lord’s great love for His people, which means that even though their circumstances may be bleak, they would be preserved. Second, he remembers the deep compassion of God which never fails, no matter how far His people stray. And third, he considers the Father’s great faithfulness - always consistent, always true, always just.

What an amazing encouragement for us! And what a powerful answer to give anyone and everyone who asks. Great love! Unfailing compassion! Great faithfulness! Beat that! I don’t know about you, but that makes my soul soar! And through our willingness to testify to our Father’s love, compassion, and faithfulness, He will draw many to Himself. That’s the mission of the church! So, are you ready for everyone who asks?

- Ps. Nigel