Playing Defense

As I think about defending myself when I have done nothing wrong, it has occurred to me that being defensive is often my first response when questioned, provoked, or accused.

An accusation immediately heightens the instinct to defend ourselves, especially when someone else has decided we have committed an offense.

I contend that defense is unnecessary if you have done no wrong.

Jesus proved this to be true when He was arrested, accused, beaten, and ultimately crucified without offering any defense. His silence astounds me because mere survival would motivate most of us to defend ourselves or, at the very least, plead for our lives.

Jesus' response provides a striking contrast. Rather than defending Himself, He submitted His Father's will by willingly giving up His life, knowing that going to the Cross was the very reason He had come.

Because He had committed no wrong, He had no need to justify Himself before men. He knew His vindication would come from God.

Should this be any different for us?

I long for a faith that trusts God enough to know that if I have done nothing wrong, I do not need to defend myself.

Remember, not every accusation deserves an answer. Sometimes the best defense is quietly trusting the One who knows the truth and judges justly.

"When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly."—1 Peter 2:23 (ESV)