From the beginning with Adam and Eve, owning up to our actions has been difficult. However, there are some things we are not responsible for. In this post, we will determine when it is our responsibility to “own up” and when we shouldn’t have to.

How to take responsibility for our actions

We own up by:

• Not blaming others for our actions or our life

• Not making excuses

• Choosing how to respond to a situation

• Accepting consequences

• Taking charge of our happiness

• Recognizing how our actions influence others

When it comes to responsibility, we should remember that God also holds us accountable for our choices and actions.

What we should not own up to

We should not take responsibility for anything out of our control, primarily the actions, feelings, or thoughts of others. We cannot control how people around us behave, and even less bear the consequences of their actions.

Sometimes, recognizing that we can’t control other people’s actions may leave us feeling guilty for not being able to do more and influence the outcomes of their life. In these moments of helplessness, we should allow ourselves to grieve the disappointment, and ask for help and counsel when needed. We are all members of the body of Christ and should be serving one another. If all else fails, remember that God is always in control.

Moving Forward

Owning up to our lives and letting go of responsibility for other people’s actions allows us to have healthier relationships and avoid unnecessary burdens like guilt and self-blame.