One time my wife and I were having intense fellowship (quarreling). In the heat of it, the Lord spoke this to me: “Your pride is being exposed.” I was immediately convicted as the following scripture rose up in my spirit.

By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom (Prov. 13:10).

God continued, “John, any time you and Lisa fight, you’ll find pride lurking somewhere, and you must deal with it.” But one may argue, “What if I know I’m right?” Allow Jesus to answer this question, “Agree with your adversary quickly” (Matt. 5:25). By refusing to defend yourself, one if not both of the following will happen. First, you lay down pride, which will open your eyes to recognize flaws in your own character that went previously undetected. Second, if you are right, you are still following the example of Christ by allowing God His rightful place as judge of the situation. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrong­fully …For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Pet. 2:19,21-23).

This is our calling: to follow Christ’s example, who suf­fered when tic was not at fault. This precept wars against the natural mind since its logic appears absurd. However, the wisdom of God proves that humility and obedience make room for God’s righteous judgment. Defense, correction, vindication or whatever other response is appropriate should proceed from the hand of God, not from man. An individual who vindicates himself does not walk in humility of Christ. No one on earth possesses more authority than Jesus, yet He never defended himself.

Bevere, John. The Devil’s Door. Lake Nary, Fl: Charisma House, 1996, p. 153,154. With permission, www.charismahouse.com.