Victim Mentality

<<martyr mindset>>

If a person has a victim mentality, they are mentally resigned to unpleasant suffering and focus their thoughts on themselves – ‘poor me’ – feeling captive to life’s experiences. Instead, of rehearsing the event and wallowing in self-pity it is better to look to God, being encouraged by what He has done

What is my response to the unpleasant events of life?

(for us). In this way we can free our spirit, while taking efforts where possible to correct the situation (1 Sam 30:6). It was when Job, who suffered terribly, ministered to others that his own situation was turned around (Job 42:10).

To a large degree our thoughts and attitudes determine how we view and experience life – we can see it either as a continual battle or as lots of opportunities to be victorious. In adverse situations, rather than taking on the victim frame of mind by accepting and ‘putting up with it’, see it as your

Take responsibility for your thoughts rather than allowing others to do so

responsibility to change your thought-patterns and approach to life. Forgiveness and being other-focused are keys to being free. Low self-esteem and depression result from such a victim mindset leading to warped perceptions of oneself and others. Correctable character defects should be addressed and boundaries set for healthy relationships. If there is absolutely no chance of the circumstances changing, at least rejoice that in heaven everything will be made new!

If no attempt is made to positively deal with the victim event and move on our walk with the Lord and our own spiritual growth will be hampered. Change happens when there is personal responsibility for our attitudes. While we may not be able to control what we experience in life, we can control how it affects us. Bitterness and intentional isolation from others leads to shifting our focus from Jesus and onto ourselves. Our priority becomes our unpleasant situation and baggage, with no room for Christ’s overcoming power. When this happens we consider our story supreme to what Jesus did on the Cross. We say we believe in the power of Jesus, but not His power over our particular situation. Yet Jesus died to free us from all the guilt and limitations Satan wants to burden us with (1 Jn 3:8). Do not give Satan the victory in your mind, rather bring all your thoughts into alignment with Christ (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 10:4,5).