But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed.

 Good morning. But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. “And do not fear their intimidation and do not be troubled”. In Greek, the word “if“ has different degrees of significance unlike in English. My Bible says that in the Greek, this conditional clause (if you should suffer…) is the furthest removed from stating a reality. Suffering for righteousness is a remote possibility, but even if it does occur, it brings special blessing to the sufferer. All Christians wrestle with the question, “should I share the gospel with this person or not?“ The following verse tells us how we should do it: sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. Some Christians try to cram the Bible down the throats of unbelievers. This says that we first must set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts. This ensures that we do it with the right motives - to help them see that they need God, not to put another “notch“ on our spiritual revolver. We should be ready at all times to explain to people who inquire why we are willing to entrust our souls to a living God through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. That does not mean that we do not go to them first, presenting the Gospel. Father help us to always be ready to share the gospel with the right attitude with those who ask.

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