Justification for unforgiveness

Scripture References:

                         Matthew 26:52-53                   Hebrews 12:2

            Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all that draw the   sword will die by the sword. Do you suppose that I cannot appeal to my Father,   and He will immediately provide me with more than twelve legions [more than 80,000] of angels?”   (Matthew 26:52-53 Amplified)

            Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.                                                          (Hebrews 12: KJV)

            Our greatest, most deepest, severe temptations always come when we feel the most justified. When there is no justification for our temptations and our yielding to do what we know we shouldn’t do, that is one thing. But it seems the greatest temptation that comes in our life is when you can justify not doing what you know the Lord wants you to do. Its when you could be so justified that others pat you on the congratulate you for finally standing up for yourself. These are the moments of our greatest temptations. When we can justify not doing what God asks us to do. However, we learn much from Jesus and some of the greatest men in the Bible for their judgments against justification:

1. Jesus - In the Garden of Gethsemane, could have called 12 legions of angels and be         justified in calling the whole thing off of what he was about to experience.      However, He said, “If it is possible let this cup pass from me, but if not thy will   be done.” (Matt 26:39)

2. Abraham - could have been justified in his willingness not to obey God and spare his     son. God spared his son anyway. He passed the test.

3. Moses - would have been justifiable in being angry with God for not being able to go     into the Promised Land after 80 years. He passed the test.

4. Joseph - could have been justified in seeking revenge on his brothers for what he would go through but passed the test.

5. David - would be justifiable in killing Saul in the cave for the anguish he had been going through, but chooses the higher road because Saul was God’s anointed.

Signs I am justified in my actions?

1. Seeking your own justice is a great temptation - taking matters into your own hands.

2. Walking away from God when things get difficult. You blame God for your troubles.       

3. Justifying your greatest temptations by retreating back to your vices when you are in that storm of life.

Connection Questions:

1. What have you thought about doing recently that could be justifiable, but deep down   on the inside you know God told you don’t do it?

2. How many times have you felt guilty about something you did when you should have just walked away and forgiven that person?

3. Do you feel the Holy Spirit wants to intercept your unguarded moments?

Final Thoughts:

            There are people all over the world who are justifying why they have a right not to forgive. Not to release that situation to God. The Lord in his might is telling you He did it for you in the Garden. He could have called over 72,000 angels. But He didn’t do it for you because He wanted to take your sin, hang it on a cross, and bleed it away. When He was on the cross you were on His mind. If He did it for you who are you not to do it for everyone else. He is telling you to stop justifying your right to be upset, and never speak again, never love again, and never forgive again. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to forgive them as your Father forgives you. Our greatest temptations and trials come at our greatest justifications. Doesn’t matter if everyone else is doing it. It does not give you the right to do it if the Holy Spirit has convicted you. When you have the power in your hand to get back at somebody and you don’t use it, you have forgiven them. Forgiveness is the answer. Can you pass the test?

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