When It Feels Better To Blame Someone Else

You want to know one of the hardest three-word statements to make? “I am wrong.”

It’s so easy to point out wrong in others. It’s so easy to want it to be someone else’s fault. It’s so easy to get critical and cynical and caught up in our limited perspectives.

But boy is it hard to see our own flaws. Where we went wrong. What we need to own.

I’ve been challenging myself on this. I recently had to correct one of my children for trying to blame someone else for something my child needed to own themselves. I could clearly see the pride, the insecurity, and the fear all wrapped around her blaming words. And why could I see it so clearly?

Because I see it in myself.

Bummer hunh? I know, it would be much more fun to talk about fashion today. I recently found a pink and green necklace that is so cute, let’s just pause and take a quick look:

Okay, now where were we?

Oh yes, my conversation where I explained to my child something I’m learning myself. About blaming. And the dangerous path blaming can take us on.

I explained that in most conflicts I have two ways I can choose to travel:

The Path of Pride-I can blame the other person, focus only on their flaws, and refuse to own my part of it. That response will increase my pride and decrease the Lord’s blessing in my life.

The Humble Way-I can honestly assess what I’m contributing to this conflict, admit where I went wrong, and ask for forgiveness. That response will lead to humility and increase the Lord’s blessing in my life.

I see this principle woven throughout the Bible:

James 4:6, “That is why Scripture says: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 29:23, “A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.”

Matthew 23:12, “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

I know this. I believe this. So, why do I still find it hard to implement sometimes?

Well, here’s where my head wants to go when I start examining certain conflicts: “But what if it really isn’t my fault? It’s not fair to assign the blame with me when this person did this and this and this.”

But that’s a wrong direction to head in. Don’t try to assign the blame. Just own the part you brought into the conflict. When I approach a conflict with a heart of humility, I’ve yet to see where I haven’t added something to the issue.

And if the other person doesn’t own their issues-the Lord will deal with them. (See the verses above.)

There are gifts hidden in the tough stuff of conflict. There is grace and honor to be gained. But I’ll only see those gifts if I stop blaming others and start examining myself.

Maybe the next time you’re in a tough spot and feel pulled toward blaming, pray this, “God, I want to follow Your teaching in this. But it’s so hard. I’m mad and frustrated and hurt. The last thing I feel like doing is examining where I am wrong. But I know that’s what I need to do. Will You soften my heart? Will You give me eyes to see beyond my hurt? Will You help me cut through the assumptions and wrong thinking? I want to honor You in this, I really do.”

Think of a recent conflict with someone. Which way did you travel? Remember, it’s never too late to go back and go the humble way. And it might make it a tad bit easier if you’re wearing a cute necklace. I’m just saying.

The winners of the Unglued Bible Study kits are: Ashley Preston, Heather Frederickson and Erika Myette. To claim your study kit email jennie@proverbs31.org.

Related posts:

There’s No Way
The Ultimate Mom Giveaway
When My Heart Feels Desperate