If only I had more money, then I would be content. If only she would respect me as I deserve, then I would treat her better. If only I could lose these 10 pounds, then I would be so happy. If only my candidate wins the election, then I wouldn’t worry. What is your “if only…then”?

We naturally blame most of our life’s problems and our sinful reactions on people and circumstances. We need to take a step back and actually investigate what we are actually believing when we blame our sinful reactions on people and circumstances.

First, when we blame people and circumstances for our sin, we are saying that our problems lie outside of ourselves. James 1:14 tells us that “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” Any time you choose to sin, you choose to sin. You cannot put your sinful choices on any person or circumstance. David says in Psalm 51:3-4 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight.” David charged himself for his sin. Understand that people and circumstances are not the main issues, God uses them to expose what is in our hearts.

Second, when we blame people and circumstances for our sin, we are attacking the goodness and sovereignty of God. We see a positive example played out in the life of Joseph. Joseph had no resentment, anger, or bitterness towards God nor the people and circumstances in his life. Genesis 50:19-21 “But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Who allowed that person into your life? Who allowed this trial? The answer is Almighty Good Sovereign God. The problem is not your job, spouse, health, or hurt. The problem is you do not like what God has brought into your life, and you are angry with Him.

God uses people and circumstances to sanctify you. I would not have experienced the joy of offering forgiveness apart from undergoing the hurt inflicted by others. I have personally experienced the freeing joy of forgiveness that could only come from the jolt of needing to offer it.

It is not a sin to feel pain due to people and circumstances. It is not a sin to process and pray over the confusion and chaos brought into your life by the sinful choices of others. It is not a sin to cry out to God in your deepest trials and share your inexpressible anguish. However, it is a sin to attack God’s character in anger and anxiety. It is a sin to believe you are wiser than the wisdom of God. It is a sin to blame your sinful response on people, circumstances, and ultimately God.

1 Peter 5:6-11 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, (trust His wise sovereign will) casting all your anxieties on him because He cares for you. (go to Him with your burdens and griefs and believe in His love for you) Be sober-minded; be watchful (don’t give in to the temptation thinking you are all-wise). Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (spiritual eyes see beyond people and circumstances; the devil wants to destroy you). Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (Resist the devil, resist the temptation to blame God, and know that all believers are in this fight together) And the God of all grace, who called you unto His eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while shall himself, perfect, establish, strengthen you. To him to be the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (God in His wise sovereign plan will allow you to suffer and as you endure the suffering that He has allowed, He promises that suffering will lead to strength as you submit to Him. Remember, we are called to resist the devil, not God’s will)