From The Desk of:

The Blame Game: A Biblical Perspective ​

    In our journey through life, we often encounter moments where we face the consequences of our actions. ​ Yet, instead of taking responsibility, many of us fall into the trap of the blame game. ​ This tendency to shift blame is not new; it dates to the earliest accounts in the Scripture. ​

    The blame game is evident in Genesis 3:12, where Adam, confronted by God, said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate." ​ Adam failed to acknowledge his own decision to disobey God. ​ Similarly, Eve blamed the serpent, saying, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate" (Genesis 3:13). ​ Both Adam and Eve avoided taking responsibility for their actions. ​

    In Exodus 32:22-24, Aaron, when confronted about the golden calf, said, "Do not let the anger of my Lord become hot. ​ You know the people that they are set on evil... ​ I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out." ​ Aaron blamed the people, ignoring his role in crafting the idol.

    Saul, in 1 Samuel 15:13-15, blamed the people for sparing the best of the sheep and oxen, despite God's command to destroy everything. ​ Samuel confronted Saul, saying, "When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? ​ And did not the LORD anoint you king over Israel?" ​ (1 Samuel 15:17). ​ Saul's pride led him to disobey God. ​

    Pontius Pilate, in Matthew 27, washed his hands of Jesus' blood, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood." Yet, he still gave the order for Jesus' crucifixion, succumbing to the crowd's demands. ​

    The blame game prevents us from growing and accepting the truth. ​ Proverbs 27:6 reminds us, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." ​ True friends confront us with the truth, even if it hurts. ​

    Psalm 51:1-4 offers a path to repentance: "Have mercy upon me, O God... For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me." ​ Accepting responsibility and seeking God's forgiveness is the first step toward ending the blame game.

    Let us strive to confront our errors, embrace the truth, and seek God's cleansing. ​ Only then can we break free from the cycle of blame and grow in our spiritual journey. ​

©March 8, 2025, Courtney Henderson