Should We ANSWER Our Accusers?

“But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.” –Matthew 27:14 (NIV)

In truth, there may have been many reasons why Jesus did not answer to the charges against him. For one, it was a central part of his mission to suffer, die, and be resurrected to pay the price for our sins. Jesus’ sacrifice was prophecized in many places in the Bible. Clearly, Jesus had no intention to “get out of” this situation, as much as he would have liked to “let this cup pass.”

You may also say that the charges against him were clearly unfair, and the Roman governor, Pilate, likely knew that. So why play the game?

This gets to the heart of something that has hit me, as I deal with my own accusers: For as long ago as I can remember, I have always sought to answer questions asked of me. I do my best to be transparent. I think that’s the right thing to do.

And I believe there’s another reason I’ve answered, and that is a part that is NOT right–I’ve sometimes answered as a REACTION. Because I have been somehow intimidated into responding. People have been able to cause me to react through intimidation of some kind. That has caused a “fight or flight” response, as it does in all of us when we respond to cruelty.

I have been caused to judge the person and situation as a threat, a trespass, and therefore have adopted a fear/anger response. I have never completely gotten over early traumas yet (they are slowly being released, thank God). I remember being afraid of my dad, and his impatience. He was not a bad man–just a product of his own early trauma, war (World War II), and his coping tools (cigarettes, alcohol, excessive news watching were his “go-to’s.”

There are still some unresolved parts of my spirit, which I have no doubt cause my current reactions.

The “Accuser”

Which brings me back to answering my “accusers.” My knee-jerk response to answering my accusers is not a good thing, and I am finally coming to realize that. I think I’ve wanted to somehow prove to them that I am honest, and show off that honesty like a badge I’m proud of.

But my honesty has been used against me, and it’s right that it should have been, because it has not been entirely real (I haven’t been honest for the right reasons)

And I am finally coming to the conclusion that I do not HAVE to answer! Duhhh!!!

Answering honest questions or even honest accusations is reasonable. It can help a situation, and sometimes disarm poison arrows and poison people. But it can also be a TRAP to bring me into an argument. I dealt with this subject earlier this year.

It really depends on the intent of the questioner/accuser. That intent is easy to see in most cases–we can read that intent all over the face/eyes/body language of the other person. And I’ve finally begun to realize that I HAVE NO OBLIGATION to answer a question/accusation!

Even the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that we are not compelled to be a witness against ourselves!

As I noted in my earlier post about this subject, people can be tricky. They may draw us in to an argument by first asking honest questions, which typically do NOT start by being about US. But they can quickly descend into this territory. The territory of what this person has against us that he or she just CAN not or or WILL not let go of. They are often compelled to try to prove to themselves that their judgment about us is correct! We do the same to others.

I realize that we should have empathy for these people, but once your button is pushed, all empathy goes out the window!

I know that spiritual work (prayer, meditation, Bible reading, interaction with people who care, and sometimes fasting) is necessary to help us overcome the “fight or flight” fear/anger response. I’ve done a lot of this work, and continue to do it. I AM getting better–slowly, as I have said–but I’ll take whatever speed I am granted!

I recommend that you “do the work” too, and be grateful for any breakthroughs you get. PATIENCE is a huge one–first with ourselves, and also with others. WE ARE NOT GOD! We cannot wave a magic wand and instantly make all our faults and troubles disappear. But we CAN seek divine help. We CAN be faithful. I am content with and thankful for that!.

Patrick Rooney is the Founder of OldSchoolUs.com. He promotes natural health, success, and freedom during chaotic times. To reach Patrick, email him at [email protected].