make a defense to everyone..."
1Peter 3:9-16
“…To sum up,
all of you be harmonious,
sympathetic,
brotherly,
kindhearted,
and humble in spirit;
not returning evil for evil
or insult for insult,
but giving a blessing instead;
for you were called for the very purpose
that you might inherit a blessing.
For,
“The one who desires life,
to love and see good days,
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit.
“He must turn away from evil
and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,
and His ears attend to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Who is there to harm you
if you prove zealous for what is good?
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,
but 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; and keep a good conscience
so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those
who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame…”
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