In-Person Poem by Sylvia Frances Chan

In-Person

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

but you can't hide your faith from the outside world
It will impact your lifestyle, 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"

but that does not change our calling to share with them
the reason for the hope that is in us

this is a bit about the Gospel

I wish you, dear poet friends
a blessed Sunday

hearty greetings from © Sylvia Frances Chan, The Netherlands
Sunday 16 January 2022