I know you are well aware that our world is divided. It actually has always been divided, but that division now seems to be wider, more obvious, and more filled with hatred.

However, as we prepared, we also determined that just as important as the stand we take is how we do it.

Peter said (1 Peter 3:15-16): 15 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.

To be clear, we are called to always be ready to answer everyone who asks us about our hope, and we’ll talk about that. But I want to make sure you catch what Peter says next:

But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

And sometimes it’s not too difficult to pull that off. But how do you deal with the unexpected, especially when the unexpected is unpleasant? How do you deal with situations when the heat is turned up quickly, and you seem to be standing in the middle of the fire?

This weekend we’ll see how we can do that.