MISPLACING BLAME

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin.”

— Ezekiel 18:30

THE ISRAELITES blamed their suffering in captivity on the sins of their fathers. But God challenged that mind-set. He called them to take responsibility for their own sins.

Like it or not, you are responsible for the person you are and the things you do. Every man is judged for his own ways. When you stand before God, you will answer for only one person—and that is you.

STOP BLAMING OTHERS FOR YOUR SINS.

You may have had a terrible past. You may have had neglectful or unfit parents and a miserable childhood. You may have suffered unimaginable abuse. In Jesus, there is healing for all those hurts. Your past can be erased and you can be all God intends for you to be. But as long as you look for someone else to blame, you will never see a need to repent for your own actions.

If you continue in unrighteousness and continue placing blame for your sin on someone else, your sin will ultimately ruin you. But God wants more for you. He wants to bless you. Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Stop blaming others for your sins. Repent, turn to Jesus, and receive the new life He wants to give you.

Father, we thank You that we can have that new life and new heart You have offered to us. May we accept the responsibility for our own sin and turn from it to find a new and blessed life in Jesus Christ.

Amen.