Don’t let these subtle excuses keep you from God’s grace!
In this episode of "The Catholic Gentleman," John Heinen, Sam Guzman, and Devin Schadt discuss something many Catholics might not even realize they're struggling with: ways we justify our sins. They explore three surprising traps that can lead to spiritual complacency and how you can overcome them!
1) Shifting the Blame
It’s easy to point fingers when we’ve fallen into sin. Sam explains how we often deflect guilt by blaming others or our circumstances.
“Taking responsibility says, ‘I’m going to own this and I’m going to own the consequences of this and I’m going to do something about it.’” He says taking ownership like this is the first step toward genuine repentance.
2) Doubting God's Mercy
After falling repeatedly, many might question if God can really forgive them. John reminds us that this is doubt from the enemy: Remember, God's mercy is infinite, and He never tires of forgiving those who truly seek Him.
3) Treating Holiness Like a Checklist
Holiness isn’t a set of rules to follow—it’s a relationship with Christ. Devin emphasizes that our spiritual life shouldn’t be reduced to a list of do’s and don’ts.
“If we reduce our Dynamic with God to formality, and forget the relationship, all we’re doing is confessing that we failed in our pursuit of personal holiness.” Instead, focus on how your actions affect your relationship with Christ.
The gentlemen say that learning to avoid these traps will help you grow closer to God!