Characteristics of a Victim

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Southeast Christian Church

Aug 3, 2020

When a doctor diagnoses a disease, they do so by looking at the symptoms. Similarly, we can diagnose our hearts by looking at the symptoms we display in times of fog. If our symptoms are whining, complaining, blaming, criticizing, anxiety and anger, our hearts are not focused on Christ.

Philippians 4:4-7 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (NIV). We can’t whine if we are rejoicing in the Lord. We can’t blame and criticize if our gentleness is evident to all. We can’t complain when we are praying in thanksgiving. We can’t be anxious or angry when the peace of Christ is guarding our hearts.

It’s easy to take the position of a powerless victim in times of suffering and hardship. When we are the victim, we don’t have to take responsibility for our actions or attitude. But we aren’t called to be victims in any circumstance. Romans 8:37 says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (NIV). Christ gives us the victory and we carry that victory with us into even the most dense fog.

Reflection/Discussion Question: Of the list of symptoms of a victim, (whining, complaining, blaming, criticizing, anxiety, anger) which do you find yourself easily falling into in times of fog or uncertainty?

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