Gentleness and Reverence

I know that some have questioned Paul’s approach with his “unknown god” sermon in Athens (Acts 17). As I have been reflecting on this alongside of the admonition to make our defense of our hope in Christ “with gentleness and reverence,” (1 Peter 3:16), I am inclined to think that was exactly what Paul was trying to do. When he came to Athens, Paul was “deeply distressed that the city was full of idols.” (Acts 17:16) When his teaching evoked an invitation to speak in the Areopagus, Paul did not castigate them for the idolatry he found so distressing, but sought to engage them by starting in their context with a “gentle and reverent” approach. It was the proclamation of the resurrection (vv. 18, 32) that became the watershed.

What if we who follow Jesus chose to articulate our opinions in this volatile, divisive time with “gentleness and reverence”? I know politics and the Gospel are different, but it seems to me that when we who identify with Jesus express vitriolic political opinions, that undermines opportunity to proclaim the hope of the Gospel with “gentleness and reverence.” I do believe we who follow Jesus can and should speak to the issues of justice and peace, compassion and mercy in our violent, angry world. But if we let our “deep distress” at current issues overshadow “gentleness and reverence,” we undermine the credibility of our witness to the hope of the Gospel.