This passage is not a call to defensiveness and fighting; it is an invitation to be Ambassadors of Christ.

I have often seen this passage used to justify interactions that fail to embody the expectations named in its full context. I have witnessed many who identify as Christian treating others in ways that were not Christ-like; there was an absence of gentleness and respect, of love (v8) and blessing. (v9) The use of the word “defense” in some translations leads many to suit up to fight for their understanding of God and Christianity, while not accurately representing the God and Christ of scripture.

The “hope that you have” is going to shape your response to that hope being questioned; what does questioning evoke in you? What fruit is your hope producing? If your response is one that does not convey Biblical love, take a moment to sit with your hope, as it may be tied more to here-and-now rather than eternal, to self-preservation rather than servant-heartedness. Many of us think we are giving answers in honor of God when it is really in service to self.

However, if we hold to Biblical hope, our answer will be covered with the fruit of the Spirit; more to the point, we will answer not as individuals, but Ambassadors to the source of the hope, for His glory and not our own.