7 Ways We Excuse Ourselves From Sin

“Men do not differ much about what things they will call evils; they differ enormously about what evils they will call excusable.” – G.K. Chesterton

Many people seem confused about what is right and wrong, not because the truth is hard to find, but because of the many excuses they have in mind.

“It’s for the greater good,” we’d say. Or we’ll reason, “there is no other way.” But how can it be the way if the way itself is already wrong? We’d have fallen into the darkness even before we arrive at the light we desire.

Let us see the seven ways that we use to excuse ourselves from sin:

1. Everybody is doing it!

This is one of the most common reasons why so many people do something wrong. But just because most people are doing it doesn’t mean that it is right.

Didn’t Jesus Himself warn us that wide is the path to destruction and narrow is the road that leads to life?

2. It’s only for this one time

The frequency of committing a sin doesn’t make the sin excusable. What is someone were to take the life of another person? Or what if a husband becomes unfaithful to his wife? Will that make it less hurtful for one’s spouse?

3. It’s not as bad as other sins

We can’t just compare our offenses to the greater sins of other people to tell ourselves that we are not doing anything wrong.

4. God will understand

It is not for us to assume that God will understand our wrongdoings. While He is merciful, should we make His compassion for us a reason to offend Him?

5. I deserve it

Our focus shouldn’t be on whether we deserve something or not. It’s whether we’re getting it the right way.

6. I’m also doing some good works

Doing something doesn’t make our sins go away. Even if we give to charitable institutions, but we continue to hurt other people, taking what is not ours and ruining lives, we’re still offending God and our neighbor.

7. This will eventually solve a problem

We must not use the excuse that the end will justify the means. Even if our ultimate goal is good, we cannot commit evil along the way. That would only taint the purity of our intentions and negate the good we intend to do.

Desiring Truth and Life

Let us not make things more complicated than they have to be. Do not call evil good or good evil. Let’s not fool ourselves until we can no longer tell what it is we’re doing or who we have eventually become. Be very careful with the choices you make today. They will either lead you to truth and life or deceive you with carefully written lies.

“An excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie; for an excuse is a lie guarded.” – Alexander Pope

“Then God asked: Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat? The man replied, ‘The woman whom you put here with me—she gave me fruit from the tree, so I ate it.’ The Lord God then asked the woman: What is this you have done? The woman answered, ‘The snake tricked me, so I ate it.’” – Genesis 3:11-13 NABRE

Do you have questions about being a Catholic? See Jocelyn Soriano’s book Defending My Catholic Faith.

“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (NABRE)