Borrow me

Read > 1 Peter 3:13-16

If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it (v. 15).

The Malmo Library in Sweden has allowed its patrons to borrow live human beings, instead of just books. The Living Library project featured nine people including an iman, a gypsy, and a journalist. Library members could check out the person for a 45-minute conversation at the library’s cafe to learn more about him or her.

As Christians, people around us are “checking us out” all the time – especially friends who might not share our faith. That’s why Peter advises, “If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it” (1 Peter 3:15).

And, he reminds us to “do this in a gentle and respectful way” (v. 16). He wants us to share our faith in love, not with a judgmental, “I’m right and you’re not” approach. After all, it was because of God’s love that He gave “His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Our friends may become interested in God’s offer of eternal life when they see how our faith influences our everyday living. When we “don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world” (Romans 12:2), people notice! Although it’s not about appearing perfect, it is about living to please God and letting the “Holy Spirit guide [our] lives” (Galatians 5:16).

Even when we’re doing okay spiritually, it’s a little scary to think about sharing our beliefs with friends. That’s why we need to pray for openness and trust that “even if [we] suffer for doing what is right, God will reward [us] for it” (1 Peter 3:14).

I don’t know about you, but I want to be ready to share my faith with kindness. Until then, I’ll strive to live in a way that makes me the first to volunteer, “Borrow me!” when it comes to speaking up for Jesus. – Jennifer Benson Schuldt

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No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house (Matthew 5:15).

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When was the last time you shared your faith with a friend or close acquaintance? Would your friends be surprised to learn that you’re a Christian? Why or why not?