1 Peter 3: 15 16b  "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you--with meekness and fear: " that "…they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ."

I am never exactly sure of the total meaning of the word "sanctify".  The dictionary says that it means to, "set apart, declare holy, consecrate, purify, free from sin."  Whatever it meant in the Greek, in our English translation, all of those words apply.  It takes action on our part.  We have to clean out the sin.  we have to purify our lives, our speech.

I do know what it means to "...be ready always to give an answer…" to anyone who asks a reason for your hope.  The hope that drives your life.  Sometimes people do ask.  Usually they don't, but you can be ready if they do, if you study God's word.  It's okay to say, "I don't know exactly where this is found in the Bible, but I have read it myself.  I know it's in there."  You can always get  back with them later.

But don't hit them over the head with the Bible.  Meekness.  Fear.  It's scary.  You may be rejected.  But Peter says that they may be ashamed when they see your sincerity, genuine care for them, and your love of Christ.

Go ahead.  Share Christ.  Be ready.  Always.  What do you have to lose.  More importantly, what do they have to gain.

Be bold.  Be courteous.  And remember, you may save someone's life.  That's what you and I are all about.