Apologetics introduction

A few years back God started training me for apologetics (defense of the faith/gospel) back before I even knew what it was. I would be put in situations (usually quite unprepared) with nonbelievers and people (victims or teachers) of false teaching where I needed to defend the gospel. A few years later, my husband also began to be put in these types of situations. Usually these situations compel me to study harder, learn more, and be better prepared...which is a good thing. But I thought I would address the proper attitude to have in apologetics, because there is a right and a wrong way to do it.

I'm a fairly fiery, passionate sort of person...and God has shown me through the years how that can be both an asset and a destructive force in apologetics. Proverbs 15:1-4 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. (vs.7) The lips of the wise spread knowledge, not so the hearts of fools. (vs. 18) A hot tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. The whole chapter 15 of Proverbs is excellent advice on a righteous attitude when dealing with nonbelievers. You will be discussing a very emotional topic, and the person you are speaking with will tend to get upset, angry, or aggravated. You must keep your head, and bear the fruits of the Spirit (relying upon Him for help at all times) in order to keep things from ending badly.
There are many scriptures on apologetics...and one good rule of thumb is to study the way it has been done Biblically...by Paul in Acts for instance. You should never go seeking an argument or provoking people into a fight...that is not God glorifying. You should always defend the scripture in love, yet firmly standing on the Word. My motto is "peace if possible, truth at all costs, love without exception". Remember the goal is twofold...the person you are speaking with (assuming either ascribing to false doctrine, or denial of God) is lost...this fact you should always keep before your eyes. Do not let your emotions, or the course of the discussion make you forget that. Your job is to present the Gospel, and defend the truths of scripture to the best of your ability. Secondly, your goal is to be a witness to the truth of the Gospel, both with your actions and your words.

1 Peter 3:13-16 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.