1 Peter 3. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but 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; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame (1 Peter 3:15-16).

This famous memory verse from 1 Peter 3 was addressed to a community that faced misunderstanding, suspicion, and even persecution. These verses provide a roadmap for responding to challenges without succumbing to fear.

Peter begins with a command that speaks directly to the heart of anyone confronted with hostility: Have no fear of them, nor be troubled. We are urged to not to let fear or anxiety dictate our response to adversity. This is not a call to denial of danger, but an invitation to anchor our hearts in something deeper than the threats of others. That is easier said than done!

In your hearts honor Christ the Lord… Instead of letting fear govern the heart, Peter calls believers to set apart Christ as Lord. This act of honoring Christ means he occupies the central, sovereign place within the believer’s life, providing courage and clarity amidst uncertainty. When Christ is the singular focus, fear loses its grip, and we are empowered to respond to trials with a sense of peace.

Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you… Peter introduces the idea of readiness—an intellectual and spiritual preparedness to explain one’s hope. Christians are to anticipate curiosity or skepticism about their distinctive hope and be able to articulate it thoughtfully. This hope is not a vague optimism, but a confident assurance rooted in Christ’s resurrection and promises. The call is not to be combative or argumentative, but to give a reasoned account that invites understanding.

Notice the manner of the defense: it is to be offered with gentleness and respect. Peter is acutely aware that the way truth is communicated matters as much as the truth itself. Gentleness avoids harshness or aggression; respect acknowledges the dignity of the questioner, even if they are combative or skeptical.

Having a good conscience… Finally, Peter underscores the importance of integrity. When accusations or slander arise, it is a blameless life—not just clever words—that ultimately vindicates the believer. The hope is that the very people who criticize might, in time, recognize the authenticity and goodness of the Christian’s conduct, and be put to shame not by retaliation, but by undeniable virtue.

This section of 1 Peter 3 calls believers to a bold, thoughtful, and gracious witness. It affirms that honoring Christ internally produces both courage and compassion externally. The readiness to share one’s hope is to be matched by gentleness and respect. In this way, our hope becomes a light that challenges, invites, and ultimately transforms the people around us.