Devotion for January 18
By byFaith Staff

In your hearts honor 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; 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 (1 Pet. 3:15-16).

For about three years, Betty had been witnessing to a neighbor, giving as gentle and respectful a defense as she could muster for her hope in Jesus. Though the neighbor belonged to a cult, the two women remained on friendly terms, as each tried to tell the other about the true meaning of faith. 

Then, for reasons Betty could not discern, the relationship took a bad turn.  The neighbor got angry about the placement of some flowers along Betty’s fence, then refused to continue their conversations, and complained to other neighbors about Betty.

The two didn’t speak for six months. Then, one day, the neighbor showed up at Betty’s door without warning. She told Betty, “I wasn’t really upset about flowers, but about what I was beginning to see about God’s grace in the way you explained the Bible!”

Later Betty told us through grateful tears, “I have always understood the work of the Father and of the Son, but now I understand how the Holy Spirit works through his Word.” 

Praise God that we are not dependent on our wisdom to share God’s love but have the blessing of the Holy Spirit working by and with the Word he gives us to reach the hearts of loved ones. 

Prayer:
Lord, help me to share the gospel to those around me with gentleness and respect, trusting that your Holy Spirit is at work with the power and truth of your Word.

Scroll to Top