One of the earliest full sentences a child produces is, “It’s not my fault!” A misbehaving child doesn’t appreciate being punished by mom or dad, but is more upset that they got caught. We might fight a ticket for or illegal parking, but when honest, we have no doubt as to why we received a ticket. Such suffering is deserved. It isn’t fun, but it is our fault. But much of what causes heartbreak and pain in our lives really isn’t our fault. Wars break out, hatred and violence affect us more than we like, illness rears its ugly face, and death comes to all. Even if we can find a cause to blame that doesn’t take suffering away. The reality is we live in a creation not perfect as God planned. There is so much that just isn’t our fault and just isn’t fair.
In a letter to young Christians, Peter wrote that is was better to suffer for something good than suffering for an action that is evil. Suffering is still suffering, but why bring it on yourself? If you have been the cause, it adds a double load of pain on top of suffering. If you are not the cause, it is still suffering, and the only response is to find a means to deal with it.
Peter then reminded that Christ’s suffering on our behalf was because we will suffer in many ways and at different times. By enduring what he didn’t deserve, out of love, Jesus assured us that when we face such difficult times (and especially in death) He has already been endured the same, and stands with through every similar moment. What is important is to remember what is easy to forget, which is God’s incredible love for each of us.
Some suffering is our fault. Most is likely not. And yet the world is what it is. Sometimes the best we can do is endure. Faith allows us the strength and peace that is beyond understanding and helps us to face both the good and the not so good that is part of every life. Fault is never going to change reality, but the love of God in Jesus Christ will. We love to say “it’s not my fault,” to which Jesus answers, “It isn’t my fault either, but I will carry any suffering to the cross because I love you that much.” Faith calls us to focus on his suffering rather than ours, knowing that his triumph over the world helps us to learn how to live with whatever we face.