Topic: Time for a Change [Joyce Meyer Devotional 10 February 2021]

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And the man said, The woman whom You gave to be with me she gave me [fruit] from the tree, and I ate. And the Lord God said to the woman, What is this you have done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled (cheated, outwitted, and deceived) me, and I ate.— Genesis 3:12-13 (AMPC)

Back in the Garden of Eden, Satan tempted Eve first, and then used her to tempt Adam, and women have gotten a bad rap ever since. I believe Adam should have stepped up to the plate and refused to do what Eve was tempting him to do, instead of doing it and then blaming her for the mess they were in. After all, God did create Adam first, and Adam was the one who first heard His command not to eat fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

I’m sure Adam told Eve about God’s command, but it certainly wasn’t her fault that he didn’t use self-control when temptation came. Actually, the Bible says that sin came into the world through one man, Adam (see Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:21–22). I am not making excuses for Eve here—she also made a wrong choice and needed to take responsibility for her part, but she was not the sole cause of sin and death coming into the world.

Unfortunately, men and women have blamed each other for creating problems since the Garden of Eden. It’s time for a change. Let’s learn to let go of the blame game and work together in unity to build the kingdom of God, because we’ve all received His forgiveness, and we’re all one in Christ (see Galatians 3:26-29).

Prayer Starter: Father, I’m sick of playing the blame game in my relationships, and I know the solution starts with me taking responsibility for what I do. I can’t change others, but please help me to change myself, and to live in unity with people so Your kingdom can grow. In Jesus’ name, amen.