Blame

<<to find fault with, hold responsible>>

From the time sin was committed in the Garden of Eden, man has tried to excuse his sin by inferring it is someone else’s fault, shifting the responsibility onto others, yet this does not resolve the problem. Adam blamed Eve, she blamed the serpent (Gen 3:12,13). "A person's own folly ruins their life, yet their heart is angry at God" (Prov 19:3). God knows the truth and holds us responsible for our actions which often have long-term consequences (Gen 3:14-19). Sin is at the root of every evil action and relationship disaster.

God says, "I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things...What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do" (Isa 45:7, 46:11). Yet the calamities of punishment for evil that God allows is for the purpose of bringing life, while all Satan orchestrates is to destroy (Jn 10:10).

He is sovereign, and we are His creation so when we blame God for misfortune we set ourselves up as His judge and jury accusing Him of doing wrong of which He is incapable of doing as this would go against His nature and character (Deut 32:4; Heb 6:18). Job's unwise advice to her suffering husband was “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). Yet the Bible cautions, "Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker..." (Isa 45:9,10). However as believers don’t be tempted to blame God when things don't go as we like because whatever He does is done in love for our good and He desires to bring about His purposes in and through us (Job 1:22; Rom 8:28,29). Instead of blaming God, who had allowed such overwhelming loss, Job said, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him” (Job 13:15). In faith and confidence we can go to Him for comfort and “give thanks in everything” (Ps 34:1,18; Prov 18:10; 2 Cor 1:3,4; Eph 5:20; 1 Thes 5:18). Unbelievers who live without acknowledging God when everything is going well often quickly blame Him and blaspheme His name when things go wrong.

Many problems we bring on ourselves because we don’t take ownership or are slow to obey; it is living by the wrong motto: 'why look within when I can point the finger'. Yet, instead of blaming others or circumstances for personal failure we should take responsibility for the choices, responses and actions we make by admitting our sin and

Maturity is taking ownership not deflecting responsibility

apologizing to God and those involved, instead of seeking to shift the blame to something or someone else who may not even be involved. Then we should seek to find a solution or correct the mistake. A test of a person’s character is their reaction when blamed or accused.

When things go wrong we are humiliated, our pride and self-esteem are challenged. Endeavour to keep a right spirit and refrain from finger pointing. Many factors in life are beyond our control and seemingly go wrong. This can lead to frustration and incriminating an innocent victim because we are not ministered to.

Take any reprimand or correction with a mature attitude – understanding what you did wrong and if possible implement steps to correct it, without getting defensive or harbouring ill feeling.