September 28 – 2 Samuel 13:20-22

September 28 – 2 Samuel 13:20-22

[20] And her brother Absalom said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart.” So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom’s house. [21] When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. [22] But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.

In that day Tamar was considered ruined and unable to marry because of what was done to her.  I’m so glad our society doesn’t consider the victim as they did in those days, but there are other ways we blame them.  Why were you there?  How were you dressed?  Why did you choose those friends?  What did you say that could have caused a wrong impression of your intentions?  We need to love those who are truly victims, but also love those who are in the wrong.  We don’t have to say what they did was right, but Jesus always showed love even when He was correcting behavior.  He never lied and said they were right, when they weren’t, but He also showed them the way to redemption. 

We need to teach our children to accept responsibility by being the example.  How often do we see adults blame others for what they have done wrong?  How often are we part of the problem?  Who in your life can you teach by example?