You know… sometimes it really isn’t your fault but you are caught in the blame fallout. That is incredibly frustrating. What this SHOULD teach us is that we should wait to point fingers or assess blame, because sometimes we aren’t right or are basing our decisions/thinking on what others are telling us or what they think they know. In any blame assessing you should never do this based on second hand reports – get the facts first from all involved. If we don’t like being on the end of wrong accusations, then we need to exercise some discretion on our too hasty accusation.
“A false accusation is as deadly as a sword, a club, or a sharp arrow.” (Proverbs 25:18)
When we are the focus (sometimes scapegoat) our protestation and lament that it isn’t our fault, may still not be heard or accepted and we stand accused. Our response and reaction is crucial. So what do we do? How do we move the discussion toward resolution of whatever the issue is rather than continuing to protest the unfair allegation? Do recognize that in these situations, the behavior of others often is scapegoat-ing, and is typically the first reaction. The second is to remove oneself from any blame. Regardless, whether you are at fault, the focus really should be toward resolution and redeeming whatever we can. Blaming, pointing fingers rare accomplishes anything.
How to respond… How to react… What to do… Yes, Scripture does speak to this problem of false accusation. The following verses are only some of the ones available. Granted they are talking about those who are trying to share Jesus with their world, but the behavior and thought-life learnings are applicable to a variety of similar situations.
“If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ, you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you [and indwelling you—He whom they curse, you glorify].”
(1 Peter 4:14. AMP)“Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your association with] Me.” (Matthew 5:11, AMP)
“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn.This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication from Me,” says the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17, AMP)
Did you notice that it is YOU who is the intended subject. I think part of the reason is that there are so many situations in which we really have little ability to make others view the immediate situation differently. However, we always have the ‘power and control’ over our own attitudes, reactions, actions, words, etc. We can only change us. When you are the focus, your every word and action is in view. When you can show grace and mercy to others even when falsely accused, you are able to move action into pro-action. And the only way you can do this is when you are confident in who you are in the Lord.
If it is your fault… then acknowledge this, apologize, and try and remedy or redeem what you can… and move on. But don’t waste your time when you are falsely accused – make certain everyone knows this, but focus your words and actions to being a positive influence.
