The Blame Game

READ: GENESIS 3:1-13; EXODUS 32:19-24; 1 JOHN 1:8–2:1

During a holiday meal, five-year-old me carelessly set down a glass of milk, tipping it over. Immediately, I pointed to my great-grandpa sitting next to me and said, “Frank did it.”

I may be older now, but sometimes that urge to play the Blame Game is still there. It’s nothing new. The Blame Game has been played from the beginning of time.

In Genesis, Adam and Eve sinned against God and ruined the perfect, peaceful world He had created. When God began to question them about their choices, Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent.

Later on, in the book of Exodus, Aaron made an idol for the Israelites to worship. When his brother Moses found out, Aaron accused the golden calf of just appearing out of the fire.

Whether it’s a mistake like spilling milk, or an outright sin, I don’t want to take the credit. It’s sort of a gut reaction to try to deflect the blame and protect myself, even though I know God has already seen what happened. Do I really think I can allow someone else to take the fall for me?

Actually, somebody already did.

Jesus—God in flesh—willingly took the blame for me when He carried my sins to the cross. He asks me to be honest and fess up to Him and to others when I mess up. And because my forgiveness was bought with His blood, I can know that I am forgiven. God has no condemnation or rejection waiting for me on the other side of my confession—only grace (Romans 8:1).

Jesus frees me from the Blame Game. So instead of saying, “Frank did it,” I can say, “I did it. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” Game over. • Marie Cleveland

• Can you think of a time you were tempted to shift the blame off yourself? Once we know Jesus, we don’t have to be afraid to confess our wrongs because He has declared that we are forgiven—forever! And He will be with us, helping us through any consequences we might face after we confess our wrongs to other people. Consider taking some time to tell Jesus about any sins that come to mind. In addition to talking to Jesus, is there anyone else you need to admit your sins to?

• For more about how Jesus took the blame for our sins, see our “Know Jesus” page.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9 (NIV)