To ‘justify’ oneself means to defend, validate, explain oneself, or to give a good reason for one's conduct, words and behaviour. We love to justify ourselves to God and others, especially when we feel that we have fallen short or made a mistake.
For example, I may say or think, “I didn't quite understand what I should do, nor
what was expected of me.” “If I only had a little more time, I would have done a better job.” “If it were not for past experiences, I would have behaved differently.” When we have made a mistake or sinned, we often don't humbly accept our shortcomings and recognise our need for grace, mercy and forgiveness. We are more readily inclined to look for someone or something to blame.
Blaming is the name of the game, so the legal expert wants
to know, “Who is my neighbour?”
Spend some time today thinking about how you are inclined to justify yourself to God and others, especially when you are well aware of precisely what is expected of you.
In what ways do you need God and others' grace, mercy and forgiveness?
Reflections by Reggie Venter
