when HOPE is evident

It may seem as if it is getting
harder to make right choices.

I mean when you can't even
decide which bathroom to use
at Target, life's outta whack.

The needle on some
people's offense meter
simply never registers neutral,
but soars from the extreme of
I will ignore you for that comment,
to now I'm gonna stare you down.

I consider myself sensitive
to others needs and I truly enjoy
being kind, compassionate and giving.

But I've actually found my kindness
toward others as taken with offense.

How does that happen?
And then I'm conflicted...
do I draw back in my shell
and simply become selfish,
self-serving and withdrawn?

I think not.
I'm so glad I found this
advice from Peter...
But even if you should suffer
for what is right, you are blessed. 
“Do not fear their threats;
do not be frightened.” 

But in your hearts
revere Christ as Lord.
Always be prepared
to give an answer to everyone
who asks you to give the reason
for the hope that you have.
​
But do this with gentleness
and respect, keeping
a clear conscience, so that
those who speak maliciously
against your good behavior in Christ
may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:14-16 NIV

Now that may sound...
near the end, like sarcasm.
But I don't think it's intended to.

It's putting the onus on them.
If we are truly of a kind heart,
it's not our place to feel bad
for kindness.

What I LOVE, is the part
about hope.
Always be prepared 
to give an answer to everyone 
who asks you to give the reason 
for the hope that you have.

For that means that
to others, our HOPE should be
evident... always.

So much so, that they notice.
How awesome is that.

Is your HOPE evident?
Do others see you as HOPEful?
Do they know you have
the HOPE of Christ... always?

If not, I challenge you, today
to spark some HOPE in your life.
So that others will ask you about it.

That's my challenge for self.
I want to be prepared to be asked.
I want my HOPE to be evident.

Word of God
train me today...
To ever be HOPEful, and obvious!

To be prepared to defend my HOPE
with gentle and kind words.