“So again Pilate asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.’ But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.” My brother, my sister, do you know that sometimes you just have to keep silence? Let’s recall that Jesus was sinless, which is not your case or mine! Yet, He was falsely accused of so many things, and even as His silent meant allowing His accusers to win. You see, as believers and Christians, we should always keep in mind that we cannot stop evil from coming to us. However, it is the way we react to it that matters before the Lord. Many people are still carrying deep hurts in their hearts from the actions or words of others, while the Bible says we should forgive those who hurt us, do good to them, bless them and pray for them. These are the simple and clear teachings of Jesus! My friend, imagine one second that Jesus had defended Himself on the cross! He could have been freed by Pilate, so where would we be today? Let’s learn to do what our Lord and Saviour taught us through His own reactions: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:21-24). Yes, my friend, how do you respond to hurt? Today, learn that when we are accused and that we want to prove ourselves right, it is because we have not yet died to ourselves and our ego or our reputation demands it. Now, when we are accused and remain silent, it is a glorious blessing as we display the nature of Jesus because not offering a defense is a mark of Jesus’ character. That’s why the Bible says: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12). Stay blessed in Jesus’ name. [retweet] [facebook]