by Dick Innes "But he, willing to justify himself. . . ." - Luke 10:29 Years ago when I was taking a course in counselor training, the lecturer made the
comment, "Whatever bothers you is your problem." His statement bothered me! I didn't realize it but I had a big problem at the time.
Actually, I had two problems. The biggest one was that I was in denial about my problem. I
thought my problem was what somebody else had done to me. I, too, was willing to justify
myself. I was feeling very hurt but discovered that beneath my hurt I was very angry. I was
also in denial about why I was attracted to the person whom I was accusing of hurting me. What another person does to me may or may not be a problem. How I react is always my
responsibility. To the degree that I over-react is always my problem. I need to realize that nobody can hurt my feelings or make me angry without my
permission. (That doesn't justify what others do to me or what I do to them). If, for
example, I am a supersensitive person because of past hurts, I will often overreact to
people and blame them for hurting my feelings. While the real reason I am SO hurt is
because I haven't resolved my hurts from the past. To overcome relational difficulties both parties need to be willing to look at the
reality of what they are contributing and stop the blame game. If we keep justifying
ourselves and continue the blame game, we will B-LAME! Suggested Prayer: "Dear God, please face me with the truth and reality of what I am contributing to
every problem and/or conflict I am dealing with right now-whether it be at work, home, or
with a friend or loved one. Let me see what I am doing and take responsibility for my
feelings, reactions, and actions - and stop justifying myself. Gratefully, in Jesus' name.
Amen." - From "Weekend Encounter" Editor: Dick Innes ~ Published by ACTS International in partnership with the Narramore Christian Ministry
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