In 1 Peter 3:15, the apostle says: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

Always? Yes.

But the fact of the matter is that many of us lack confidence or clarity when we try to explain (or defend) our faith. But fear not. You’re not alone, and you’re not without help.

I recently had a tremendous opportunity to interview Greg Koukl, author of a helpful and insight book which has sold more than 300,000 copies: Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions. Lee Strobel (author of The Case for Christ) gives it a high recommendation: “We live in a day when militant atheism is on the march… Let Greg be your mentor as you master new approaches to talking with others about Jesus.”

Something Greg and I discussed was taking the pressure off. He says that you don’t have to know everything, and you don’t have to hit a home run every time you mention Jesus or faith. You just need to get into the batter’s box. It’s about engaging in friendly, thoughtful conversation.

God uses our imperfections for his purposes. The same goes for our words.

My conversation with Greg is 38 minutes long. There is a listening version, or you can watch a video of us talking on YouTube. (Links below.) Or, you can simply take some time to think about how you can express your hope thoughtfully.

However you proceed, take the pressure off, and take your next best step in becoming more confident.

God uses our imperfections for his purposes.

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Notes:

—NEW PODCAST. Do you want to know how to explain (or defend) your faith with greater confidence and clarity? Join the club and take the next step by having a listen. This podcast is an interview with international speaker, President of Stand to Reason, and author, Greg Koukl about apologetics and defending your faith. Over 300,000 people have bought his book “Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.” Click here, or tune in wherever you listen to podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn.

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on April 11, 2022.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.

–Notice: The Up Devotional will be going on break after Easter for two weeks, returning on May 2, 2022.