To offer hope to the hurting teen takes deep commitment, starting with what we do to be certain we have hope to give, the hope they need most.
1 Peter 3:15 says: “But 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” (NIV).
An invitation to give real hope is tucked into that verse. It’s not just about logically being able to talk about who Jesus is and his gospel of salvation. There’s another layer that is just as important . . .
It’s also about explaining him, our source of hope, through how we live out our passion for him and our compassion for others.
But have reverence for Christ in your hearts . . .
My connection to Christ needs to be real, genuine, and held sacred. Then if I tell teens that Jesus loves them and that he offers real hope, then they may believe I mean it and that he did too. They’ll know I’m speaking of, and showing through my life, something I know personally and believe is vital to living each day.
. . . and honor him as Lord . . .
Though imperfect (very!), I seek to grow deeper in my connection to him, considering all aspects of how I honor him with my choices, especially how I love people. Then maybe I won’t get in the way of others seeing that Jesus really is God Immanuel (God with us). Someone I know. Someone they can know too.
Be ready at all times to give an answer . . . to explain the hope that is in you . . .
If I do these things, then I’m far more likely to be ready at all times (a goal I want to shoot for!) to explain the hope that is in me–through words and actions, and with gentleness and respect. Not because I can do that, but because God can.
Through how we live we show teens–really anyone–a real hope they may be longing for, a hope that is worth going after.
Being seen as a model or mentor isn’t worth much unless it’s rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ that translates into solid values. What are people admiring in you? Looking up to? Can they say it’s because you’re living like Jesus?
–one of boxed tips included in Seduced by Sex, Saved by Love–A Journey Out of False Intimacy, p. 197
