Accepting responsibility for one’s behaviour is not a popular trend in today’s culture. It seems that if we have sustained past hurts we can use the pain suffered to excuse our current bad behaviour. Because of the injustice that life brought our way, we expect our loved ones and others to tolerate our anger and mood swings. Often by the time we reach adulthood the victim role is well established and we are comfortable to continue in the same mode until challenged by emotional upheaval or a deteriorating life style. The way out of this dilemma is the acknowledgment that as adults we are responsible for the choices we make and the resultant outcome of those choices.
God says to each one of us, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT) In the Bible we read about King David who after committing the sins of adultery and murder took responsibility for his actions and said to the prophet Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you.” (2 Samuel 12:13 NLT)
Understanding as King David did that the sins we personally have committed, and the ones that have been committed against us, are offences against God will help us come to God and ask for forgiveness and healing. We humbly accept forgiveness from our Heavenly Father for our own sins and on that basis, then choose to forgive those who have sinned against us. We purposely turn the offences committed against us by others over to the Lord who is the righteous judge, and thereby free ourselves from their destructive power. In the recovery process, this is the start of taking responsibility for our own wellbeing.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (Luke 6:36-37 NIV)
Unforgiveness breeds bitter discontent. None of us will live life to the full while we excuse ourselves for not forgiving. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT)
Today, let’s consider giving up bitterness and choose to forgive as we have been forgiven.
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Audio for August 25, 2014 Responsibility Who’s To Blame
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