Taking Medicine

15But in your hearts set apart 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,
--1 Peter 3:15

Gentleness is being careful not to apply too much pressure. Some people can down their medicine in one gulp. Others need to take it in sips. Sometimes we try to force the Truth down people's throats thinking that any other way is to fail to speak boldly. But communicating truth in a five-minute bombshell might send someone recoiling for years, maybe forever, whereas taking several months to say the same thing will soften a heart rather than rip it in two. Respect means seeking to understand where the other is coming from rather than putting everyone in a box for which we have neatly prepared answers.