Our hope in Christ

1 Peter 3:15-16
¹⁵ But santify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ¹⁶having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

While studying these verses, I noticed the phrase "with meekness and fear" contrasted with "when they defame you as evildoers". Obviously Paul did not mean to speak with fear hear in context of fear of who you are speaking to because he then encourages us to expect defamation. So, who are we to fear? If you haven't guessed here is a hint. In Ecclesiates 12:13 we read "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all."

Lord help me to answer man with fear of you and not them. Help me to proclaim your infinite wisdom and mercy in which I find all my hope. Amen.

Jesus, please forgive me and be my Lord, Amen.