Breaking the Excuse Cycle

Devotional Reading: “But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” – Luke 10:29 (KJV)

Excuses are the easiest things to manufacture; no capital, no raw material, just a willing mind. The priest and Levite probably had a dozen reasons for not helping the wounded man. Maybe the priest thought, “If I touch him and he dies, I’ll be unclean for service.” The Levite might have said, “What if the robbers are still around? Better safe than sorry.” And in today’s language, we would say, “I’m running late for work, I can’t stop.” Funny thing is, excuses always sound logical to us, but they look selfish from the outside.

The problem with excuses is that they shrink our hearts and limit our obedience. Every time we justify why we can’t help, we make it harder to obey the next time. Over time, we become numb to the cries of people around us. That’s why Jesus didn’t applaud the priest’s or Levite’s “wisdom.” He praised the Samaritan because he overcame the temptation to excuse himself. Excuses feel safe, but they rob us of the chance to be God’s hands and feet.

So how do we break the excuse cycle? First, admit that most excuses are just fear or selfishness wearing a suit. Then, shift your mindset: instead of asking, “What will it cost me?” ask, “What can God do through me?” Finally, rely on the Holy Spirit. Compassion isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about being willing to take the first step. If you’re Spirit-led, you’ll know when to step in and how far to go.

The opportunities you excuse today may never come back. That co-worker, that neighbor, that random stranger, you may be the only Samaritan they’ll meet. So stop justifying inaction. Excuses may protect your comfort, but they will rob someone else of hope. Don’t wait for a perfect moment, be the moment.

Prayer and Confession
Father, forgive me for the many excuses I have made when I could have shown love. I confess that from today, I will not be ruled by fear or selfishness. Holy Spirit, lead me to see opportunities and give me boldness to act. I am a channel of God’s compassion, not an excuse maker. Amen!

Further Reading: Exodus 4:10–14; Luke 14:16–20; Romans 13:8–10