Hope You Have

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. -- I Peter 3:15 (KJV)

Scripture is so deep because of the implications and hidden assumptions.  In this verse this assumption is that you are demonstrating so much hope that someone else could notice and ask you about it.  How do you demonstrate hope?  Belief in Christ does provide a capability of looking to the future unafraid.  The future has been handled once and for all.

Hope is defined as "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best." (Dictionary.com)  People demonstrating hope can sometimes be obnoxiously Pollyanna.  You know the kind of person.  They are the ones who no matter how bad things are they say things like, "It will all work out in the end."  "Don't worry, be happy."  It can be a superficial optimism in some.  In others it is based on a sincere belief system that gives them a true trust in all things working out for those who love Christ.   Because of the admonition at the end to explain your hope with gentleness and respect, it IS possible to be just blatantly irritating with your bubbly hope and well-being, or to be so forcefully evangelistic about it that the person turns you off quick as a light switch.  The future has been handled by a God who became human and took our guilt and sin with him when he departed.  What can hurt us now?  He sits at the right had of God and we are His.  So spread this hope gently and respect the gift Christ has given to all.