If the speech was wrong, the wrong should be shown with evidence.

If the speech was right, the answer should be more striking.

If the speech was right, Jesus questions why he is being hit.

Calmly restate the truth and ask for fair evidence

Strike back so the other person feels the same pain

Pretend nothing happened and avoid the issue entirely

Add extra accusations to make yourself look stronger

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned in my words, my anger, and my reactions, and I need your mercy. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and receive you as my Lord and Savior. Give me your truth when I am wrong, and your peace when I am treated badly. Amen.

Receive Your Truth

Lord, revive your Church to answer pressure with truth, to bear witness when something is wrong, and to refuse retaliation when we are mistreated. Make us steady, humble, and courageous like Jesus. Wake us up again to your way, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Revive Your Church for Truth and Restraint

Jesus, thank you that you spoke truth even while being struck. Thank you that you do not ignore wrong, and you do not answer evil with evil. Teach me to trust your way more than my anger, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thank You for Jesus' Righteous Reply

Father, for anyone who is being mocked, hit, or treated unfairly, bring comfort and strength. Give them words that are clear, calm, and true, and protect them from bitterness, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

For When I Am Treated Unfairly

Pray by naming one unfair situation, asking God for calm and truthful words, asking him to keep you from retaliation, and asking for courage to seek what is right.

Pray Before You Answer

Bring these to God: a person who has been falsely accused; a situation where evidence needs to be heard; your own desire to strike back; the need to answer with honesty and restraint.

Bring This Before God

ἀπεκρίθη{a-pe-KREE-thee###ah-peh-KREE-thee###(He) answered} ⸀αὐτῷ{af-TO###ahf-TOH###him} Ἰησοῦς·{ee-ee-SOOS###ee-ee-SOOS###Jesus} Εἰ{EE###EE###if} κακῶς,{ka-KOS###kah-KOHS###wrongly} ἐλάλησα,{e-LA-lee-sa###eh-LA-lee-sah###I spoke} μαρτύρησον{mar-TEE-ree-son###mahr-TEE-ree-sohn###bear witness} περὶ{pe-REE###peh-REE###about} τοῦ{too###too###the} κακοῦ·{ka-KOO###kah-KOO###wrong} εἰ{EE###EE###if} δὲ{DE###DE###but} καλῶς,{ka-LOS###kah-LOHS###rightly} τί{TEE###TEE###why} με{me###meh###me} δέρεις;{DE-rees###DEH-rees###you strike}

John 18:23 — Source TextTAB

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