Hope & Reason

1 Peter 3;15-16

15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;16 yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
"Hope" & "Reason" "with Gentleness & Respect".  "WHEN you are slandered".    These are the things that stand out from this passage to me.  We have Hope in Christ and when people ask, as they are sure to do, we need to be prepared to tell them the Reason for that hope.  The Reason is the story of our own conversion.  This personal story that draws on your experiences with God and how HE has changed you.  We are to tell our story with gentleness & respect, and notice "when you are slandered" because you will be.  The story of us coming to salvation is one riddled with imperfection, sin, and humility.  Do not be afraid, speak boldly, and share the message of Hope with all who will listen!