Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. — 1 Peter 2:12 KJV
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. — 1 Peter 2:12 NIV
Reflection
How do we persuade individuals who are opposed to us to change their hearts and minds about following Jesus? While we do require knowledgeable individuals who can defend and explain the biblical truth, the majority of us will win others over by the way in which we live our lives and how we interact with them.
Our actions must remain Christ-like in spite of the fact that we may be subjected to a great deal of criticism and severe treatment. To do less would mean to deprive other people of the opportunity to see the Christ who is alive in action.
My Prayer
Holy and righteous Father, please pardon me for not being more conscious of the impact that I have on other people, particularly those who are not familiar with Jesus Christ.
I ask that you empower me by filling me with your Holy Spirit and giving me strength, so that I may be able to withstand the judgment and scrutiny that is often directed toward me.
Please help the way I live my life to have an impact on other people so that they can see the reality of what I believe and the hope that I live by. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.