Who Is Innocent?
Psalm 7 Teaches Us
We all know we are sinners. We were sinners from birth (Psalm 51:5). Is there such a thing as innocence, in our fallen world?
We sin, yes, but we are not guilty of others' sins against us. There is such a thing as righteousness in God's eyes (especially in light of Jesus' work on the cross). And there is such a thing as innocence in a person who is being persecuted, as Psalm 7 shows us (this is a good time to read David's experience :-).
Am I To Blame?
Many times, victims get hung up on blaming themselves. A healthier approach is taking ownership for one's personal sin, but placing responsibility for others' sins where it belongs: on them. No matter what you've done, you do not deserve persecution at the hands of others. And there's nothing you can do or not do to control their actions. For example, others' choice to sin against you is their own choice – it is not your fault. Yes, your response or reaction to their sin is your responsibility, and you can choose not to sin, instead calling on God to help you, as David does in Psalm 7.
What Can I Do?
Any time you are being oppressed, God makes a way of escape. Some of these ways I won't be discussing here, but here are a few:
- cry out to God (Jeremiah 33:3)
- take responsibility for your own sin
- develop personal boundaries
Trials are part and parcel of the Christian life in a fallen world, but remember: God is powerful enough to use even evil for good, and His purpose is to help us see our need for Him. He wants inclusion in our lives. Rather than becoming angry and bitter regarding others' sin toward us, it is preferable to wake up, take ownership, cry out to God for justice, and let Him handle the problem. He is angry with the wicked every day. He will surely hear the prayer of the innocent!
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©2022 Julianne Knapp. First published 12.13.22