Silent Strength: How Jesus Teaches Us to Endure

We all laughed and enjoyed the discussion about what someone would do if I slapped them. Instantly, the response was drawn from Matthew 5:39, which states, "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." However, everyone agreed that after they turned the other cheek and were slapped a second time, it was fair game. We all agreed that, at some level, we would defend ourselves.

The conversation then shifted from our responses to being slapped to what Jesus Christ did when He was slapped, beaten, whipped, and mocked. Jesus not only turned the other cheek; He endured. Jesus Christ had countless choices regarding how to respond, but He chose to be quiet and suffer. As He stood before Herod, He was silent, and His conversation with Pilate was very limited. Jesus knew how to hold His tongue, which is difficult, especially when you are wrongly accused and facing death.

The ability to be quiet, while challenging, can be powerful. Ecclesiastes 3:7 reminds us that there is "...a time to be silent." Proverbs 17:28 shares, "Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues." Honestly, I confess that being quiet is not easy for me, but I am learning! Lamentations 3:26 states, "It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

So, in the midst of the noise surrounding us and the chatter trying to captivate our minds, let's hit the pause button on life and be quiet, at least for a few minutes. You may be surprised how much easier it is to hear God and become aware of His presence all around us.