What does it mean to always be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15)?

from the old testament

• Several passages in Isaiah express the concept of God’s people being a “light for the nations” (42:6, 49:6, 60:3). Followers of the Lord, then and now, should exhibit behaviors that honor the Lord and draw others to Him.

from the new testament

• First Peter 3:15 says, "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." Our lives should reflect Christ, and we should be prepared to verbally share the truth about who He is and what He's done.
• In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “. . . let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Our lives are living testimonies to our faith in God.
• In 1 Peter, the apostle Peter offered instructions for godly living to Jewish believers in Gentile regions. First Peter 2:11-12 urges believers to resist sinful desires and live honorably among non-believers, so that God may be glorified. Like them, all believers are spiritual "sojourners" whose true citizenship is in heaven, making Peter's message timeless and relevant.
• The instruction to always be ready to give an answer comes in the context of suffering for righteousness. Peter says, "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” (1 Peter 3:13-14). Our testimony for Christ is never stronger than when we maintain our faith during trials.

implications for today

First Peter 3:15 is often used when talking about apologetics and evangelism. Living a godly life and always being ready to explain the hope of Christ in us “with gentleness and respect,” even amidst suffering, reflects Jesus and demonstrates faithfulness and hope. It’s a great defense or proof of what we believe and where our hope lies. Always being ready to give an answer of the hope that is in us with gentleness and respect especially in the midst of suffering stands out to others. In a world where people seek to escape pain, numb their struggles, or assign blame, responding to suffering with hope, peace, and gentleness points to a deeper source of strength. This contrast invites questions and opens doors for sharing the reason behind our hope. Our calm endurance doesn't deny the pain but reveals the presence of Christ in it. That’s why our readiness to give an answer—rooted in reverence for Christ and expressed with grace—is such a powerful testimony.

While the content of our message is important, so is the attitude with which we share it. Peter told his audience to make their defense "with gentleness and respect." We should not lambaste those who don't know God nor share the gospel in an intentionally offensive way. Rather, our attitudes and actions should reflect the truth we proclaim. If someone wishes to slander us, we will maintain a good conscience before God. The testimony of our lives will end up putting those who accuse us to shame, either through them being ashamed at their own actions when they realize their accusations are baseless or in other onlookers recognizing their words as slanderous.