We often see the blame game being played out in the media and in politics: character assassinations, mudslinging and lawsuits. At present in Australia there is a lot being said about where COVID19 started, how the second wave began, who brought it across which border. The current political leaders are constantly being blamed for making wrong decisions, not taking strong enough action or being too tough. Why must we always try to blame someone or something?

The tendency to blame begins when we are children, at school or at home with siblings. “He did it, it’s not my fault”. It’s as old as human history and began with Adam and Eve. “She gave me the fruit”, “the serpent made me do it”. 

It is also a major issue in our society, as proving that someone is at fault can often bring huge financial reward. But blaming others is an unnecessary negativity that we simply don’t need to buy into and it can have a negative impact on our thinking, our health and our life.

To overcome the tendency to blame when something goes wrong, we need to see that blame gives us the secret satisfaction of being the innocent party. Sadly, it can also bring other negative feelings of resentment, anger and vulnerability. We can choose instead to see that unfortunate things happen or people unknowingly make wrong choices. This is a much healthier mindset and engenders positive feelings like understanding, love and forgiveness.

Such advice was given to us nearly 2,000 years ago and comes to us in the pages of our bibles.

“…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, NIV)

“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34, NIV)

“…in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3, NIV)

“Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37, NIV)