I know… it isn’t your fault. Rarely are the problems we have our fault. It is always the other person that brought injustice, pain, and suffering to us. Except for very rare occasions are we ever to blame for the difficulties we have. Or at least that’s what we think in our own mind. Consider…
1 Corinthians 4:3 It is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted.
Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Galatians 6:1 If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Matthew 7:3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
The real truth is when we have problems, on some level, we have a degree of responsibility. I’ve been guilty of giving people sticks to beat me with over the years. By my words and actions I have offended people and given them reason to make my life difficult. There was one person I knew who always seemed to have difficulty… but it was NEVER his fault. Finally I said to him, “If everyone is out of step but you… maybe YOU’RE the one out of step!” He didn’t like that…
You and I have a vision problem… we have massive blind spots. We are also masters of justification and rationalization. Because of blind spots, justification, & rationalization… it is impossible to get to the absolute source of our problems (Outside the revelation of God Himself). This does NOT mean the other person is innocent… but it does mean that if we want healing, restoration, along with spiritual and emotional health… we must own up to our own faults, failures, and mistakes.
When we’re struggling we don’t like to consider that we could be part of the problem. That consideration is too painful when we’re already hurting. I know… I’ve lived there.
Suggestions (From the Scripture above): 1) Pray Psalm 139:23-24… often. 2) Meditate upon Matthew 7:3-5… often. 3) Work Galatians 6:1b deep into your soul. 4) Make sure 1 Cor 4:3 is your attitude whenever you are in the middle of difficulties. Be able to say the same thing about yourself Paul did… along with the attitude about possibly being at fault. 5) As a believer in Jesus Christ, remember above all things Romans 8:1… “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Pride is probably our greatest enemy.