“… in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Putting your hope in God is a personal decision, and sometimes a personal struggle. Having saving faith and maintaining a relationship with the Lord, is basically something between yourself and God (while being a member of the worldwide church). But you can’t hide your faith from the outside world. It will impact your life style, your choices, your response to disappointments, your attitude towards other people — basically everything. This may make others wonder about “the reason for the hope that is in you”. They may ask you to explain it, because it makes them jealous or curious or irritated.
It is important to respond to their questions “with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience”. For your answer can make slanderers ashamed and lead them to Jesus. You may be the only Christian your colleagues or friends know. Your witness may be their only chance to hear the Gospel.
Not all people will receive God’s Word into their hearts. The Bible warns us that even people who call themselves Christians, “will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:4). But that does not change our calling to share with them the reason for the hope that is in us.
With whom could you share the Gospel?