“It’s not my fault.”
This phrase has filled my mind on many occasions when I have felt unfairly accused or criticized. The injustice of the situation overwhelms me with grief, and I want to scream.
Sometimes we do everything right, but life goes terribly wrong. Our motives are questioned. Our selfless actions are misrepresented. Our love for Jesus becomes the subject of mockery. People we thought would be in our corner whisper behind our back, or they angrily voice their displeasure and try to steal our peace.
Perhaps the very person you thought would be your defender turned into your adversary.
You feel vulnerable and forsaken. The weight of condemnation is overwhelming your soul.
Friend, you are not alone.
Your Savior knows exactly what you are experiencing.
He bore the sins of all humanity as He hung on the cross. No one has faced more persecution than Jesus. He lived a perfect life, and arrogant people who needed to repent instead angrily responded to Him with condemnation.
Listen in as Jesus teaches us how to address an unjust allegation:
“Then Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ Jesus said, ‘You say so.’ But when he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he did not respond. Then Pilate said to him, ‘Don’t you hear how many charges they are bringing against you?’But he did not answer even one accusation, so that the governor was quite amazed.” – Matthew 27:11-14
Instead of lashing out, Jesus exhibited self-control. He did not allow the adversary to bait Him into sin. He didn’t engage in a debate. He let His life speak openly of His commitment to God and kept His mouth closed.
Jesus didn’t answer His accusers because He was fully committed to obeying a higher calling.
He was driven by His love for the Father.
He understood that the suffering He was about to endure would ultimately lead to our salvation. His humble submission to the cross was our healing.
People may malign our character and reject us, but God will never forsake us. He rules the world with justice and grace, and He will ultimately restore everything that the enemy has destroyed and bring full redemption.
May we follow the example of Jesus today as we interact with difficult people who need His grace. Instead of screaming, “It’s not fair.” Let’s silently pray for their salvation and rest in the knowledge that we have a Redeemer who reigns over all that concerns us.
Friend, you and I can quietly trust that God is fighting for us when we experience unjust suffering. Our Heavenly Father who holds us in His loving hands never allows us to suffer in vain. He will always get the glory when we choose to humbly obey Him. He is the Shepherd and guardian of our souls, and His goodness and faithfulness will pursue us all the days of our lives.
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Join us as we study God’s Word using the Triumph Over Trials: 1 & 2 Peter study!
Grab your journal today and dive in!
