But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved.
James 1:14-16 NRSV
All too often… we don’t want to take responsibility for our own sin…
No one… wants to be labeled a sinner… called out for wrong doing…
We are quick to blame others for our failure to do what is right…
Someone else must be responsible… NOT US…!
And it is true… those who are complicit in our sin-full actions… are guilty too…
If they did nothing to deter… stop… dissuade… our sin-full choice… but instead… in any way… made the way for us to proceed… they too… are guilty…
So… when we begin seeking forgiveness for sin… tired of the pain of regret… our default mode… is to blame others…
We say… If only they had said something… If only I hadn’t known them… If only they had been a better friend… sister… brother… parent…
If only…
If only…
If only…
Here is the place… the attitude of heart and mind… where bitterness… unforgiveness… anger… take root… establish a stronghold for the enemy to wreak havoc in our lives…
Not only do we need to take full responsibility for our sin… own it… bring it to God at the altar of His grace… but also recognize all who aided… abetted… assisted… are guilty too…
They are just as guilty as we…
From here… this perspective of truth… we can stop blaming… and begin to see them as fellow lost souls… in need of great mercy… healing… and peace… just… like… us…
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters.
James 4:7-11 NRSV
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