We have all been victims at some point in our lives. It is unfortunate when that happens. Many things happen that are outside of our control that bring bad circumstances and bad people into our lives. Some of the choices we make in life put us in that roll of being a victim. And some of the choices that we have made have caused others to be victims. We live in a world today where more and more we see people who refuse to except responsibility for their actions and put themselves into that roll of being a victim. Things do not go the way that they believed that it should so they become upset and blame others for not getting what they wanted out of life. We blame the government, friends and even family members for the failures in our lives. And many even blame God for those failures. So in order to justify our anger about these failures we play the victim. It is easier to play the victim than it is to admit that we had some responsibility in those failures. Often times people who have a common cause will join together in their protest thinking that by doing so will get them what they want. Proverbs 1 points this out very explicitly.  

Proverbs 1:10-14

10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse”

It also points out what the end result will be for those who practice such evil.

Proverbs 1:15-33

15 My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; 16 For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; 18 But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. 20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. 21 She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: 22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. 23 Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, 25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. 28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord, 30 They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. 31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. 32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Many have mocked God’s word because they think have gotten away with their practices to this point. But they do not realize that it is only because of God’s grace that they are not yet spending an eternity with the master that they choose to serve. There are no victims in hell. Those that are there and will be there are there because they made the choice to reject God’s olive branch to them. But that requires doing one thing that they have refused to do. Except responsibility for their actions! Instead they continue to play the victim.

Proverbs 4:19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble.

Why is it that they have such a hard time realizing that they are sinners in need of a savior. To answer this I will refer to the following article

Victims and Perpetrators – The Path of Truth

We have all been victims. There isn’t a person on earth who hasn’t been hurt or disadvantaged, even before birth. But is that how we are to see ourselves?

For we have all also been perpetrators, producers of victims, hurting and offending against others. And we have all been what the Bible calls “sinners,” perpetrators offending against God. The Bible declares that if we break one law, we break them all (James 2:8-12). We have all broken God’s Law. Read about the state of every man in Romans 3:9-18.

Because of our human nature, which is in conflict with God and the Truth, we tend to see ourselves as victims, but seldom as perpetrators. We offend others and defend ourselves. We deny our fault, and we complain and accuse others of being perpetrators, pointing to the sliver in our neighbor’s eye while blind to the beam in our own.

    It takes the genuine gift of faith from God to see ourselves as perpetrators.

We do these things especially when someone points to our sins, declaring us offenders or perpetrators. We may not relish being known as victims, but we usually prefer that to being known as perpetrators. However, here’s the problem:

Salvation from our state of sin can’t come while we see ourselves as victims. Salvation comes only when we confess ourselves as perpetrators, as sinners against God and man.

 How can we get over that hurdle of pride, stubbornness, and self-justification? It takes the genuine gift of faith from God to see ourselves as perpetrators. Oh, we who profess to believe commonly declare that we’re sinners according to the Scriptures and doctrine we’ve been taught. When someone rightly speaks more specifically and personally to us about our spiritual shortfall before God, however, addressing that perpetrator nature in us, we’re offended.

We protest vehemently as victims and proceed to kill the messenger. We loathe accepting we’re at fault. We refuse to see ourselves as sinners, so we lie and, in the process, call God a liar, essentially declaring the sacrifice of Christ unnecessary because we are innocent. We despise the blood He shed for our sakes.

Those who claim to be victims automatically condemn others as perpetrators. Thus, they function as the perpetrators they are, serving to make victims. Often those victims are brethren of the Lord, coming in His Name to preach and to deliver perpetrators from their sins. Those who justify and defend themselves crucify Christ by their ways. They are anti-Christ.

Deliverance, cleansing, and healing can only come when one lays aside the concern of being a victim and acknowledges himself a perpetrator. When we recognize ourselves as perpetrators, the thought of being a victim greatly diminishes and a troublesome burden lifts.

With the recognition of being a perpetrator (by conviction of the Holy Spirit) come shame, remorse, and repentance before God. To acknowledge oneself as a perpetrator is to take the path of salvation. Four of the greatest and truest words any person can ever speak are, “I am a sinner.” Salvation is for perpetrators, not victims. And the Gospel calls for perpetrators to repent.

“But when Jesus heard, He said to them, ‘The ones who are whole do not need a physician, but the ones who are sick. But go and learn what this is: I will have mercy and not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’” (Matthew 9:12-13 NKJV).

    He didn’t come to deliver us from consequences, but from the sin causing them.

Consider that in the Lord’s day in the flesh and in the days of the early Church, Rome victimized many. But did Jesus speak one word against Rome? Did He sympathize with their victims? Was He there to solace them? No, He told them, as perpetrators, they must repent of their sins. He knew that Rome’s victims were victims because they were perpetrators:

Luke 13:1-5 NKJV

(1) And some were present at the same time reporting to Him of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.

(2) And answering, Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans because they suffered such things?

(3) I tell you, No. But unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

(4) Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were sinners above all men who lived in Jerusalem?

(5) I tell you, No. But unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

The Roman Catholic Church has presumed to champion the interests of the poor and disenfranchised. It presents Jesus Christ as taking special interest in these people. That is a great big lie.

Yes, Jesus came to save us from destruction, but He didn’t come pitying the sinner. He came to redeem the sinner, calling him away from sin. He didn’t come to deliver us from consequences, but from the sin causing them. This applies to all, rich and poor.

The Catholic social charity gospel is diabolical while pretending to be angelic. It is deceitful while declaring to represent the Truth. It is destructive while pretending to save. Such workers (and there are many) save and preserve what is rotten, as though people are innocent victims, but Jesus Christ came to redeem us from rottenness by calling us to recognize ourselves as rotten.

The destroyer bestows rights to those unworthy, while Jesus Christ calls for responsibility.

Satan destroys with works of preservation, while Jesus Christ saves in works of destruction.

The destroyer is in the work of salvage, but Jesus Christ, salvation.

The destroyer presumes to improve on what is, while Jesus Christ calls for total denunciation and dismissal of what is, that it may be replaced with something entirely different.

    By willingly exposing ourselves, we light the way for others to follow the path of the cross to life.

2 Corinthians 5:14-19 NKJV

(14) For the love of Christ constrains us, judging this, that if One died for all, then all died;

(15) and He died for all, that the living ones may live no more to themselves, but to Him Who died for them and having been raised.

(16) So as we now know no one according to flesh, but even if we have known Christ according to flesh, yet now we no longer know Him so.

(17) So that if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

(18) And all things are of God, Who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

(19) whereas God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and putting the word of reconciliation in us.

Because we know we’re all guilty before God, we realize we can and must forgive all others who have wronged us, if we are ever to expect forgiveness and healing from God. Jesus said:

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).

In humility and understanding, we won’t forever be offended when addressed as perpetrators, no matter who confronts us.

With the sincere acknowledgment and repentance of being a perpetrator, we also open the door of salvation for others. By willingly exposing ourselves, we light the way for others to follow the path of the cross to life. He Who did no wrong took on consequence. How much more ought we, who are wrong by nature, to admit our guilt?

Of the Savior and Lord in Whom we profess to believe, the Scriptures declare: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth, Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him Who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:22-23).

He was the victim of victims; He was willingly victimized by perpetrators, for their sakes. Listen to Him. His call is for repentance. Victims need none; perpetrators need it all.

As long as we focus on being a victim, we sin against our own souls. We retain fear and breed self-pity, resentment, and bitterness. Thus, we continue as perpetrators and remain in our sins and the consequences thereof.

    Christian, do you see your sins against others, or do you only see the sins of others against you?

As perpetrators, we fault others and justify ourselves; we denigrate others and honor ourselves; we deny our sins and condemn those who sin, especially against us. We become guilty of the very things of which we accuse others.

Romans 2:1-4 NKJV

(1) Therefore you are without excuse, O man, everyone who judges; for in that in which you judge another, you condemn yourself, for you who judge do the same things.

(2) But know that the judgment of God is according to truth on those who practice such things.

(3) And, O man, the one judging those who do such things, and practice them, do you think this, that you shall escape the judgment of God?

(4) Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, and the forbearance and long-suffering, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Christian, where are you? Do you see your sins against others, or do you only see the sins of others against you?

Do you claim salvation while under the judgment of God and reject His reaching out to you through others for your good? Do you readily accept sympathy, praise, and comfort from friends while rejecting His rebukes through others as condemnation from the Devil? Consider.

Seeing yourself as guilty, you’ll no longer focus upon yourself as a victim. You’ll willingly suffer wrong and not retaliate even against wrongdoers, and especially not against those whom the Lord sends to tell you your wrongs.

“For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:20-21).

Perpetrators receive forgiveness; victims do not. Saying you see, your blindness remains; confessing yourself a perpetrator, you’ll see and rise from the grave.

Until then, you are a hypocritical believer walking in the paths of the destroyer, a child of darkness posing as a child of light, in vain worshipping God with your lips while you nurture your wicked, “victimized” heart.

Turning from sin and recognizing your need of forgiveness, you’ll receive it. Receiving forgiveness, you’ll be prepared to grant it to others. Deliverance and healing will begin to bear fruit in you and others. That is when the New Jerusalem descends to earth, and the lion lies down with the lamb. The Sabbath is established, and peace reigns. Let Truth prevail.

Do you want to see yourself for the perpetrator you are? Rend your garments (put away your fine coverings of pretense and hypocrisy); don what you deserve – sackcloth – and cover your head with ashes (humble yourself). How do you do that? Fast and pray – long term.

Perhaps one of the most important things that this article points out is that even the church is guilty of not only playing the victim but being the perpetrator as well. And this has caused it to do so much damage in the world. Charles Spurgeon said it best “I believe that one reason the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church.”

This is both a terrible statement and a true statement. But it is not an excuse for those who have chosen to reject the Gospel.

 Romans 1 (NKJV)

1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; 7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

 

13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[d] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

This too is a terrible statement to make but it is the truth. This points to the fact that the choices we make do not always make us victims but perpetrators. And not just perpetrators, but deliberate sinners! And refusing to acknowledge that we are sinners is the worst sin of them all.

Matthew 12:31 (NKJV)

31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.

It is because of what Christ did on the cross that we can stop playing victims. Satan has been using this tactic of creating victims from the beginning. But in the beginning becoming a victim was a choice that was made willingly. And in so many cases it is still a choice made willingly.