AVOIDING* THE HALL OF MIRRORS
*OR ESCAPING
CHAPTER 2
The Blame Game (2|2)
Pages 29-33
1 John 5:18-20 (NIV) We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We also know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
1 Peter 1:18-23 (NIV) For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
Ephesians 6:12-13 (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
“We can adopt a posture that leaves the judgment with God, knowing that He, who sees everything, is super-rich in mercy. In that sense, we can give up our defensive stance around whatever it is we need to own, allowing others, if they can find the courage to do the same.” Do you believe this is possible? Has this ever been modeled for you?
Have you / Do you struggle with self-blame for things in which you are not actually responsible? Have you been a part of something that affected a group and felt it was ALL your fault? Have you ever been accused or blamed for something being ALL your fault, and you knew deep down that it wasn’t? If so, what do /did you do with that?
“The enemy would love us to live with an uncharitable heart, seeing the worst in others and finding fault constantly; how sad that so many people seem happiest when they are picking holes in someone or something. Have you/do you know someone who tends to be like this? What can be (lovingly) said to someone like this?
“Blaming everyone other than ourselves for trouble that we’ve had a part in actually leaves both us feeling powerless, and those we are blaming, feeling attacked. This accusatory disposition also creates terrible rifts in relationships because everyone feels scrutinized and judged.” What are some ways to avoid situations such as this? If it's too late to avoid and you are in the situation, what can you do (on your part) to remedy it?