1 Peter 3:15-17

Expanded Bible

¹⁵ But ·respect Christ as the holy Lord [^Lsanctify Christ as Lord; Is. 8:13] in your hearts [^Cthat is, acknowledge his holiness and sovereignty in your life]. Always be ready to ·answer [or give a defense to] everyone who asks you to explain about the hope ·you have [^Lthat is in you], ¹⁶ but answer in a ·gentle [humble] way and ·with respect [or with fear/reverence for God]. Keep a ·clear [good] conscience so that ·those who speak evil of [^Lwhen you are accused, those slanderers of] your good ·life [behavior; conduct] in Christ will be made ashamed. ¹⁷ It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing ·wrong [evil] if that is ·what God wants [the will of God].