I am the type of person that avoids confrontation at all costs. It is part of having a background of abuse. It has always been my nature. But, prior to knowing Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, other aspects of my nature were different. Although I avoided confrontation, if forced to, I would have defended myself. Whether physical or verbal, I would have defended myself. This too is part of having a background of abuse. Some abuse victims retreat and don’t fight back. But some of us are more inclined to defend ourselves. Whether I was approached by physical or verbal confrontation, that was who I was. I would defend myself.

Unfortunately, one of the aspects that Jesus has had a tough time changing in me is my lack of confidence. Being a child of abandonment and abuse takes a toll on one’s view of themselves. And it results in a poor self-image and a lack of confidence.

Consequently, whenever I made a mistake, I felt the need to defend myself. Even when it wasn’t my fault, I automatically assumed it was. It used to cause me to shift right into defense mode. Again, this was the product of my abusive background.

As victims of abuse, we are often defending ourselves in some way, shape, or form.

But Jesus has changed my inclination to defend myself. I don’t give up and retreat, but I don’t fight back or defend myself either.

If I am wrong or have made an error, I ask for forgiveness, but I try not to defend myself.

As Christians, we should not be defending ourselves.

Because God fights for us. “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14.

And God protects us. “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” Psalm 91:14.

Jesus defends us. “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1.

The scripture also says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.

So, in a world in which everyone is entitled to an opinion (unless it is Biblical 🙂 ), we don’t have to defend ourselves. God’s got our back. He is fighting, protecting, and defending. We do not have to keep defending ourselves because He is right here with us and will not leave us.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6.

And, when we are walking closely with God, our character should be such that it doesn’t require a defense. No matter the accusation, those around us will know who we are and defense will not be necessary.

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” Titus 2:7-8.

If we believe God’s promises and trust that He will protect, fight for, and defend us, we will have peace. When we strive to live like Christ, we will have peace. And when we have peace, we will be able to walk in faith without defending ourselves. Then, God is glorified.

When those who do not know Jesus see the peace and comfort that we have in the face of adversity, they will want to have what we have. And what we have is JESUS!

We need to stop defending ourselves, trust God and His promises, have faith, and show them Jesus!

Father, thank you for fighting for us. Thank you for protecting us. And thank you, Jesus, for defending us! Help us to live like you, Jesus. Help us to have peace. And be glorified! We pray this in your precious name, Jesus.

Do you come from an abusive background? Do you lack self-confidence? And do you feel a need to consistently defend yourself? Well, God doesn’t want you to suffer from any of those things. He wants to heal you and give you peace. He wants to fight for, protect, and defend you. But you have to ask Him to. You have to repent of your sins and ask Jesus to be Lord of your life. But that prayer has to be from the bottom of your heart. When I prayed and asked Jesus to be Lord of my life, I wanted it with every fiber of my being. And that has to be how you pray as well.

Please go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/) and pray the prayer that is outlined there (or one similar). When we pray a prayer like that, God can begin to heal those old wounds. He will remind us that we aren’t insufficient, but that we are precious in His sight. We experience a love like we have never known before. Please pray this prayer and, once you have, reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com. I’d love to be in prayer with and for you!

Luv Ya!