Most of us know what it feels like to have people say bad things about us. It hurts. Whether the charges are true or not, feelings of bitterness can easily swell up.

Sometimes the charges are formalized and legal. I've met many prison inmates who harbored deep anger towards parole officers, probationa officers, judges, and other authorities. Other times the situation is informal, but the pain can be just as severe. I've also known persons who have been badly hurt by malicious gossip among people they thought they could trust.

How would Jesus respond to this? Well, Matthew 27:12-14 says, "And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, 'Do you not hear how many things they testify against You?' But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly."

Why was Jesus silent? Perhaps it was because He knew that God had it in control.

When we are struck by problems our instinct is often to lash out. Bitterness and anger can easily take hold of us if we're not careful. But the example Jesus set tells us something more important: Silence is golden. Jesus did not speak again until he was crucified, saying, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) His silence throughout his charges said more about His character than anything else could have.

God Bless you.

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