19 - Hope - Third Destructive Natural Tendency

Proverbs 4:23 - "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." The third destructive natural tendency is blaming people and circumstances for our emotional instability. While there are serious problems in our lives, we must take personal responsibility for our sinful reaction to these problems. The easiest thing to do is to blame others for our resentment, anger, frustration, jealousy and bitterness. It is acceptable to say, "It is their fault." It is acceptable to ask, "Who wouldn't be angry?" It is acceptable, but it isn't helpful. It is difficult to accept responsibility for our reactions to ill-mannered people, to disappointments, and especially to any form of abuse. We are society of victims. Being a victim is painful, but being responsible for my reaction is freedom.