May 16 2026

Saturday May 16

Taking the Blame and the Pain

Philippians 2:3-4; Psalm 15:4

Welcome to Pastor's Chat. Today we’re studying Psalm 15, talking about a person who lives a life of integrity. His character, his walk with God, and his fellowship with the Lord are so real that he does things that cause him to be a stable, secure kind of person who literally displays the glory of God in his life every day.

Now we come down to verse 4. Here in verse 4b, we find a very remarkable statement: “He who swears to his own hurt and does not change.” This verse is describing a person who keeps his word even when it costs him something. This is a rare quality today in our culture, because people often break their promises when circumstances become inconvenient.

This verse jumped out at me years ago: “He who swears to his own hurt and changes not.” We often do just the opposite. So many times, when we’re accused or when something takes place, we defer the blame to someone else. “The devil made me do it.” “My wife caused the problem.” “My husband caused the problem.” “My boss is at fault and has made this whole mess for us.”

But here is a powerful truth. As we try to understand the person who walks with God, enjoys fellowship with God, and has the lowliness of mind that Paul talks about in Philippians chapter 2—esteeming others better than himself—this is a powerful thought: you swear to your own hurt and do not change. Sometimes you may even take the blame for something you didn’t do.

Now I know when I say that, especially today, people respond, “I’ll never do that. Why should I take the blame for something I didn’t do?” Sometimes, to keep peace. Maybe just to keep your mouth shut when accusations come. Instead of trying to defer the blame or defend yourself—even when you truly didn’t do it—you simply remain silent.

You might say, “How can I do that?” Let me tell you—Jesus did exactly this. He took the blame for something He didn’t do. He took your sin, my sin, and the sin of the whole world upon His shoulders. He took it to the cross. He paid a terrible price when He “swore to His own hurt and did not change.” He simply said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Actually, He prayed for those who were guilty and who were to blame for putting Him on the cross. To the thief on the cross, He said, “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” That thief admitted, “I am getting what I justly deserve.” Yet Jesus got what we justly deserved in our place. He swore to His own hurt and did not change.

So sometimes—not every situation, but many times—the situation calls for us to say nothing. Just say nothing. Take the blame and have peace with those around us, even if it means pain, hurt, or loss for us. Jesus died on that cross—a terrible death. He took the blame for something He didn’t do. If He did that, don’t you think maybe we could ask God for grace sometimes to do the same?

When things happen and we are being blamed, perhaps we should just keep our mouths shut instead of trying to fight back, blame others, or expose everyone involved. Now listen, there are times when justice must be pursued. God is a God of justice. God says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans chapter 12.

So let’s try to practice this the best we can. This is a hard one. I still remember memorizing this verse and thinking, “Wow, I don’t know if I can do this every time I need to.”  But by God’s grace, and by looking to our example—Jesus Christ on the cross—"when He was reviled, He reviled not again.”

Oh my friend, may God help us to have that kind of spirit and that kind of attitude. I trust this encourages you today and does not discourage you.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!