Q&A Time!
Tyler Thornton
Have you ever been asked a question about your faith that really got you on your heels? In our journey of faith, we often encounter questions that challenge our beliefs, our understanding of Scripture, and even our understanding of God Himself. Regardless of your knowledge of Scripture or the longevity of your faith, questions will arise that you just simply won’t have great answers for! What in the world do we do when we are striving to witness to those who are curious about faith, while understanding that we simply don’t have all the answers to the questions they are asking?
1 Peter 3:15 says, “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.”
As a pastor, I will occasionally get questions that absolutely stump me! I have learned to love these kinds of questions and the conversations that follow, but that hasn’t always been the case. It's easy to feel defensive or threatened when our beliefs are questioned, but it's precisely in these moments that we have an opportunity to embody the love of Christ, and to demonstrate the depth of our faith.
I have learned that, in our interactions with others, we are responsible for two things when it comes to answering questions about our faith:
First, you are called to be able to give a reason for the HOPE you have! This means that the hope in your life should be evident enough to others that it warrants curiosity in the hearts of those who witness it. Hope radiates within the life of a disciple of Jesus and so blatantly opposes the patterns of this world that it catches the eyes of those who have yet to experience it. This leads to the next responsibility in sharing.
Second, you are to answer in both gentleness and respect, which is easier said than done at times! Unfortunately, since we live in a world that is hostile to the Gospel, the questions we encounter about our faith more often than not come from a place of hostility rather than curiosity. This in no way, shape, or form changes how we are called to respond. We must remember that no question is too big or too small for God. He is not intimidated by doubts or uncertainties. In fact, He welcomes them as opportunities for growth and a deeper relationship with Him! As followers of Christ, we should follow His example by embracing questions with humility and openness.
When faced with tough questions, it's important to respond with grace. This means listening attentively and empathetically to the concerns and doubts of others, even if we disagree with them. It means resisting the urge to dismiss or belittle someone's inquiries, and instead offering thoughtful and respectful responses. God gave each of us two ears and only one mouth to remind us that listening is twice as important as speaking!
Feel like you don’t have a great response, or you lack the words to say? Ask questions! Yes, questions are your best friend in these kinds of conversations. If you are going to speak, the most impactful words often come before a question mark. Too often we attempt to give a quick word or answer and end up completely missing the question that was being asked. Try asking a question like, “What makes you ask that question?” or “Help me understand exactly what you are saying.” These will allow you to go deeper beyond the surface question that was asked and hopefully dive deeper into a fruitful conversation!
When discussing your faith or attempting to answer questions, take a moment before engaging and go to the Lord in prayer. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide and direct your thoughts and words as you begin to share about who Jesus is. This simple act of centering yourself around the wisdom of God will lead to the most fruitful conversations and interactions concerning your faith!