2107) Some of us don’t need any help in convincing ourselves that something is our fault. What’s unfortunate in this thinking is we don’t allow for the fact that others choose their own actions and reactions.  

Matthew 2:16 is a good example of this. Here we are told Herod reacted to the Magi’s choice of not returning to him and giving him information about this baby who will be king. Herod then orders the slaughter of all baby boys under the age of two in Bethlehem.  

This evil choice would be easy to internalize, thinking if I had gone to Herod, this horrific thing would not have happened. Maybe.

The bottom line still is, Herod made his own choice and no one else.  

Sometimes it’s helpful to remind ourselves that others have a choice in what they do in reaction to what we say and do.  

Some of our actions make this choice easier but it’s still their choice.