Alan Smith tells the story about a carpenter who was giving evidence about an accident he had witnessed. The judge asked him how far away he was from the accident.

The carpenter replied, “Twenty-seven feet, six-and-one-half inches.”

“How can you be so sure of that distance?” asked the judge.

“Well, I knew some idiot would ask me. So I measured it!” replied the carpenter.

Oops … not a good way to answer a judge!

As Christians we need to be prepared to give a reasonable answer to everyone who asks about our Christian faith—and to do this in a spirit of “gentleness and respect.”

Remember too, that our life speaks much louder than any words we ever say. Furthermore, people who know we are Christians will be constantly reading and hearing the messages our life broadcasts. May we, like the early Christians, be known by our love for one another and for our gentle spirit and respectful, courteous manner.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, help me always to be prepared to give an answer to all who ask about my Christian faith—and help me always to answer in a gentle and respectful manner. And help me to so live that my life will always be communicating your love to every life I touch. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV).