Me personally, I want to defend myself.

Do I think it is right?

 Isaiah 50: 6-8 says this: 

⁶ I offered my back to those who beat me,
       my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
       I did not hide my face
       from mocking and spitting.

    ⁷ Because the Sovereign LORD helps me,
       I will not be disgraced.
       Therefore have I set my face like flint,
       and I know I will not be put to shame.

    ⁸ He who vindicates me is near.
       Who then will bring charges against me?
       Let us face each other!
       Who are my accusers?
       Let them confront me!

 Acts 13 Paul was “slandered” by the Jews so he spoke boldly to them and said that since you don’t want eternal life we’re going to talk to the Gentiles.

Sticks and stones right?

The thing that pops out at me in the verse from Isaiah is “Let us face each other”…..

For me, yes I can defend myself, in a Godly way. If my accuser confronts me then I can, but I cannot answer slander with slander. I am very selective about what I will defend, if what is going on will detract from the mission of the church, then forget it, I won’t engage you, if it is a silly, pointless arguement then no, we’re done.

What do you think?

My friend Heidi is also writing a blog on this, check her out and weigh in, I have a feeling she feels differently about this.