Plenty of good stuff in chapter 3. Wives, treat your husbands well. Husbands, treat your wives well. Repay evil with blessing. The list goes on.
Probably the one that jumped out most at me comes from verse 15: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,...".
It's wonderful to identify ourselves as follower of Jesus. It's far better to advance God's Kingdom by living in a way that inspires other people to at least become curious about what it means to live the Christian life. Be prepared to give an answer -- it feels like there are plenty of Christians who are ready to do that. Not all, but many. But out of those who have their answer ready, how many deliver that answer with gentleness and respect. I dare say if the population at large was asked to describe vocal Christians, that gentle and respectful would not be words that come to mind.
Is it not possible to stand for something, and yet do it in a way that is respectful to others, even those who disagree? I absolutely believe it is.
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