Why do you have so much hope?

I am a part of several "apologetics" facebook groups and it can really get contentious in the discussions or "defense" of the faith. I joined the group for the sole purpose of learning, and "YES," I have learned something; we have completely misread and misapplied 1 Peter 3:15. Let's look at a few verses before and after this critical text:

"Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ." (1 Peter 3:13-17)

What are we defending? Are we defending doctrine or our church denomination? Are we debating the meaning of Scripture? Are we defending a political stance using Scripture? We really need to wrestle with what exactly we are defending. If you believe the proper interpretation of the Greek word "apologia" is "defense," then are you defending the hope you have? I like the interpretation of this word as "answer." When someone asks why you have hope in Jesus Christ, what answer are you giving? Is the best answer quoting scripture? OR, is the best answer giving examples of your life and how Jesus has saved you from yourself (most likely) and others? 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made one of the most powerful statements of faith:

"O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)

I believe the best answer to the hope you have is in how you live! Peter even says that in the verses leading up to 1 Peter 3:15. Living as Christ is the Lord of your life is infinitely more important than quoting scripture that doesn't match your faith walk. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had it right; they really didn't need to defend themselves because they were living in a way that was pleasing to God. Look how gentle they were! They weren't combative, and they continued to show respect for the King. They didn't quote scripture. They could have quoted the first two commandments handed down from Moses. They didn't. They didn't say if you do this you will be punished or go to hell. They didn't threaten or criticize the King or any of the leaders for the "dumb" law. They just lived out their faith. 

I am constantly amazed at how Christians get defensive and downright mean when asked to defend their faith. I am also amazed at how Christians debate, internally, their faith; it can get ugly in a hurry. 1 Peter 3:15 is not about defending a political viewpoint. It is not about defending your denomination, your doctrine, your method of baptism, or the Lord's supper. The defense is in your hope! 

Why do you live a life like you have hope? Why do you have hope in Jesus Christ? 

Are you living a life that begs the non-believer to ask you those questions? Can the non-believer even tell you have hope?