Meekness and Fear

1Pe 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 

1Pe 3:16  Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Other Bible translations use other words for "meekness and fear"

...gentleness and respect, 

...answer them in a gentle way with respect

...gently and respectfully

We are not to be afraid to share the good news about Jesus saving us from eternal damnation. The message is so important that we are to deliver it with reverence and respect, first because it is from God and we respect the message and lastly we want the hearer who is lost and away from God to be able to receive the message of hope.  We humans were created in the image of God. We are to respect each soul and desire that all be saved by receiving the free gift of life in Christ Jesus. We want Jesus to be seen in our lives so that no one will have anything to accuse us of, to distract from our message from God. Our message is holy and is for the people who were created to be in fellowship with Almighty God. We are his living temples to deliver his life giving  hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. This is not to be done without respect, but with meekness and fear.

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