Let Them Talk

There will always be voices, opinions, and whispers that try to pull you off course. But remember — none of them have the final word over your life. Only God does.  

When others speak against you, your heart may want to defend itself, to explain, or to retaliate.  But there is greater power in surrender.  “In quietness and trust shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15) Every misunderstood moment, every false accusation, becomes an invitation to die to self — to crucify pride, the need to be right, and the desire to be seen. You don’t have to justify yourself to people when you are already justified before God. His approval covers you; His presence defends you.  

No matter how sincere your heart or faithful your actions, someone will misunderstand, criticize, or twist your motives. That, too, is part of your personal crucifixion — the dying of the need for human validation. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11–12) 

If you live for people’s approval, you will constantly be restless. But if you live for God’s approval, you will find a peace that no man can take away. When they talk, stay silent before God. He knows your truth. He knows your heart. And His opinion is the only one that matters.  “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” (Proverbs 29:25) 

As far as people are concerned, you’ll never be able to satisfy them. They will always want something more — or something different — from you. But God’s call is not to satisfy the crowd; it’s to follow the cross. The voice of people is loud and shifting, but the voice of God is quiet and steady.  

Even Jesus faced misunderstanding, mockery, and accusation — yet He never fought to defend His reputation.  “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) 

That is your example of perfect crucifixion — yielding rather than reacting, trusting rather than defending. Let their words pass like the wind while your roots sink deeper into His peace. Keep your heart still. Keep your spirit soft. Keep your eyes on the One who never misjudges you.  Every surrendered silence is another nail through the flesh, another victory for the Spirit.  

Silence is not weakness — it’s strength under control. Peace is not passivity — it’s the fruit of death to self. Union with God is not isolation — it’s resurrection life born out of crucifixion.  

When the world throws noise and accusation your way, retreat into His presence. Let His Spirit draw you back into calm waters.  “He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:2–3) In that quiet place, you realize that peace is not something you chase — it’s the atmosphere of those who have died to self and now live hidden in Christ.  

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14) That’s not just a promise — it’s a posture of the crucified life. The more you resist the urge to control the narrative, the freer you become. Stay still. Stay gentle. Stay grounded in love. Your silence speaks louder than your defense — because it says, “I’ve been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) 

You need to determine to do right in your present situation, but at the same time, your quick temper requires the cross. Anger feels powerful in the moment, but it burns peace to ashes.  When you allow anger to drive your words, you step down from the cross and step out from under God’s covering of peace.  

Let God’s Spirit become your governor — slowing your reactions, softening your tone, teaching your heart to wait.  “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19–20) 

Ask yourself often: Am I reacting or dying? Am I protecting my ego or obeying God? Am I speaking from love or from anger? “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) The more you yield to the Spirit, the more the cross becomes your teacher — showing that gentleness is power under control and silence is faith in motion.  

Let humility be your defense and peace your weapon. The person who trusts in God’s justice never has to fight for their own. Crucifixion frees you from the courtroom of people’s opinions.  

You will never please people — not even Jesus could. The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna!” one day shouted “Crucify Him!” the next. But through it all, He stayed faithful to the Father’s will.  That is the road to personal crucifixion — obedience that stays steady through praise or persecution.  

You don’t need to win every argument or correct every misunderstanding. You only need to walk rightly before God.  “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7) 

When you walk with integrity, some will praise you and others will criticize you — but heaven will smile. That’s enough. So walk in peace. Let them talk. Let the cross do its work. Let your silence become a testimony of strength and surrender.  “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways.” (Psalm 37:7) 

Prayer 

Lord, take me to the cross in every misunderstanding. Quiet my spirit when the noise of others rises around me. Teach me to rest in Your approval and not in the opinions of people. Guard my heart from anger and pride, and give me the strength to stay still in peace. Help me to respond with grace and to walk in humility even when I’m misjudged. Let my silence speak of trust, and my calm reveal Your presence within me. Crucify my flesh, that Christ alone may live through me. Keep me close to Your heart — where criticism cannot wound, and where Your love is enough.  

In Jesus’ Name, amen.