Character Defect: Self-Justification

In certain situations, when our behaviour is challenged, we are quick to try to justify ourselves. If we are challenged for doing wrong, we justify it by saying, “This is just the way I am.”  We justify anger by saying “He or she made me mad.”  We justify being rude by saying “I was just speaking my mind.”  Often we are unwilling to see the exact nature of our wrongs.

Suppose we claim we are without sin.  Then we are fooling ourselves.  The truth is not in us.  But God is faithful and fair.  If we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins.  He will forgive every wrong thing we have done.  He will make us pure.  (1 John 1:8-9 NIRV)

In our addiction, after failing to fulfill the commitments we made, we often lied to others.  We became experts at making up believable excuses and even justified lying to ourselves.  Self-justification is rooted in the thinking that we are better human beings than we truly are.  It’s time to admit that wrong is wrong, and that we are guilty of wrong thinking and wrong doing.

I, the Lord, am the one speaking to you.  Come, let’s discuss this.  Even if your sins are as dark as red dye, that stain can be removed and you will be as pure as wool that is as white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18 ERV)

When we acknowledge and repent of the exact nature of our wrongs and accept forgiveness from God for our self-justification, we will then be free to become the person God created us to be.  God is with us to help us change.  We can bring every deceptive thought captive to Jesus and be transformed in our thinking. When our thinking is right, our behaviour will follow.

God has given me a special gift, and that is why I have something to say to each one of you. Don’t think that you are better than you really are.  You must see yourself just as you are.  Decide what you are by the faith God has given each of us.  (Romans 12:3 ERV)

Prayer: Gracious God, Help me to see myself as I truly am and resolve not to justify my wrong doing.  I want to be transformed in my mind so that I am no longer in bondage to self-justification when my behaviour is inappropriate. Amen