Tag Archives: justification

There is a Difference between Explaining and Justifying

I try not to get into situations with my kids where I am justifying a parenting decision I have made. It inevitably ends up in an argument or a power struggle. This does not mean that I do not offer explanations and reasons for decisions or choices or rules, but there is a difference between offering an explanation, and trying to justify what you have done or are doing. An explanation might go something like this: “I need you to finish your homework early tonight because we are having company for dinner.” A simple explanation can also accompany a disciplinary … Continue reading →

Do We Always Have to Give an Explanation?

With three teenagers, we’ve pretty much outgrown the “because I said so” stage. I cannot get away with barking instructions and orders without offering a logical explanation to go along with it—which my kids respond to in various ways. I have to admit, however, that those logical explanations are not always enough and sometimes, what I say just has to be… Here is the general “formula” that I have developed: I offer a logical explanation first, not as a justification, but as a matter of fact. “I have decided that you can go to the party on Friday night as … Continue reading →

What Satan Wants You to Believe: Part 2

Part 1 of this two part series I addressed the lies of Satan: Denying Jesus as God, that God’s power is no longer here with us, questioning the accuracy of the Bible, and the beliefs that people who do signs in wonders in Jesus name are all of God. So, here I’ll continue: Question what God Says. “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” By Satan causing Eve to question the Lord’s sincerity and warning about the tree, Eve justified partaking of the fruit as did her husband. Justify what is sinful. This … Continue reading →

Pornography and the Christian

Recently I’ve been hearing of more and more churches offering small group settings for men (especially) so they have a place to fellowship with other believers who are fleeing from their addiction to pornography. The issue of porn is not exclusive to men; there are some women who struggle with it as well. So why is this such a big deal—especially in a marriage where both husband and wife consent? As Christians we are to be sober minded and be watchful of the liar and thief which is Satan. In thinking back to my Marriage Series introduction blog, I share … Continue reading →

Marriage Tips: Justification

Justification, rationalization, whatever you want to call it, it can harm your relationship with your husband or wife. Instead of making excuses, or trying to justify something that was obviously wrong, do what you have to do to set things right. Admit what you have done, apologize sincerely, seek forgiveness, and give your spouse some time forgive. If there is a way to make it up to him or her, try to do so, but only if you are being genuine about it, not just trying to get off the hook. One form of justification that can be very damaging, … Continue reading →