We own a 1994 Suburban that still runs great. We use it to haul bricks, wood, and sometimes the grandkids across town. The vehicle keeps going, and we’re grateful to have it. When parked next to newer, efficient vehicles, however, I see the glares of strangers and imagine them blaming me for melting ice caps and homeless polar bears!
Facetiousness aside, most of us have been unfairly blamed for things. I call it the un-fun blame game, which seems to be growing in popularity. Fingers are pointing, accusations are flaring, and people’s words are more condemning than ever. Especially on social media, this has become a firestorm of activity, dividing families, communities, and countries.
While it’s easy to get caught in the blame game, we’re called to sit this out as Christ-followers. Here are a few Scriptural reminders to help us keep things in perspective.
Revelation 12:10 points out who’s behind the accusations, saying, “It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night.” (NLT)
The enemy loves it when people hurl insults at one another. He is, after all, the father of lies according to Jesus’ words in John 8:44. “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Thankfully, God has all power, authority, and dominion over our accuser, and He gives us the authority to say, “Not today, Satan.” Revelation 12:11 gives us even more assurance: "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
We have the power to overcome through the Holy Spirit within us. Keeping our minds on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness makes us far less tempted to join the accusations. Remember that when we resist the enemy, he has to flee. So, let’s resist the accuser of the brethren and refuse to play the blame game.
A Prayer of Resistance: Lord, please empower me to stand against the enemy today. Help me resist his accusations and say, “Not today, Satan.” In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
“But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries can resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.” Luke 21:14-19
Before Jesus’ death, He warned His disciples that persecution was coming. He didn’t do this to scare them but to prepare them. The Holy Spirit prepares us for every arrow that comes our way. It might not feel like it at the time, but He equips us with the exact defense needed.
Recently, I experienced a personal attack from an extended family member. It was shocking, heartbreaking, and a bit derailing. But God! He came to my defense in a way that was nothing short of miraculous. It was as if He surrounded me with an impenetrable shield of love, grace, and peace, reminding me of who I was in Him. I didn’t have to come up with the right words; I simply rested in His truth as the perfect defense.
When facing blame unfairly, ask God to remind you of all that is right, good, and true. Look beyond the accusations to the holy revelations provided in His word. He is your defense, your refuge, and fortress, the One in whom you can always trust.
A Prayer of Defense: Lord, thank You for being my Jehovah Nissi, my banner of protection and peace. I trust in You to guard me from persecution and false accusations. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 ESV
I can’t think of a time when blame wasn’t wrapped in pride. When checking my heart and motives, pride is always revealed as the instigator. I’ve learned the hard way that the only way to win is through humility. Meekness always holds the winning card. It’s worth the highest score because it takes the lowest position. As James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
C.S. Lewis once said, “It is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began.” This is a big claim, but looking back, even the first family was torn apart by pride. When God accepted Abel’s sacrifice but not Cain’s, wounded pride led to murder. The saddest part about this story is that God gave Cain the chance to do what was right and be accepted.
Proverbs 11:2 reminds us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” I don’t know about you, but I choose humility. I choose God’s wisdom over my own opinions. It’s not easy, but so worth it.
Neither you nor I will stop the unfun blame game, which is likely to grow in popularity in the coming days. But as Christ-followers, we can choose to remove ourselves from the competition.
When offenses come (and they will), try opening your hands and extending your fingers one by one to symbolize letting go. Release accusation to the Lord and refuse to partner with it. Remember Ephesians 4:31, which says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
God is your Defender, my friend. He hears the accusations coming your way, and He can stop every arrow before it pierces your tender heart. Trust Him today and leave the unfun blame game behind.
A Prayer to Overcome Blame: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for harboring pride in my heart and thinking I have the right to point blame at others. I surrender all bitterness, rage, and slander today, asking You to purify my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Please set a guard over my mouth and help me return blessings for insults. Protect me from the accuser and the one who tries to derail me. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. I removed myself from the blame game today and focused on you. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
More Resources for Your Journey:
5 Steps to Escape the Blame Game and Heal Your Past
8 Reasons Blaming and Complaining Aren't Fruitful
When It Feels Better to Blame Someone Else
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