“He never helps around the house,” the wife cries. It begins. “I work a full-time job! What do you expect me to do?” Wait for it… “You should be more grateful for how I provide for the family!” Now the husband has turned the wife’s criticism back upon her, and a fight inevitably ensues. I’ve talked with many a couple for whom this scenario rings true.

Why do we tend to be so thin-skinned when others criticize us? Is there truth to what they’re saying? Are we blind to the pain that might be motivating these critical comments? Do we want to preserve our reputation or a positive image of ourselves?

Even if a comment about you is unfair, what do you hope to gain from defending yourself? The wages of your sin, no matter how small, is death. Christ, the judge, whose opinion matters most, is interceding for you. No one deserved a defense more than Jesus, yet when He was put on trial, He remained silent. He was the sole truly innocent man, yet He died the death of the guilty. His name—not ours—is the one to be exalted.