You Don’t Need to Forgive Them! - Things Jesus Never Said Part 1 | Pastor Craig Groeschel

Things Jesus Never Said About Forgiveness

Scripture References

• Matthew 6
• Matthew 5
• Colossians 3:13

Overview

Jesus’ red-letter words on forgiveness are stunningly direct: our Father’s forgiveness of us is linked to our willingness to forgive others. By contrasting “things Jesus never said” with what He actually did say, Pastor Craig Groeschel urged the church to move from holding grudges to releasing them. Unforgiveness keeps us locked in a prison of offense; forgiving, even when it feels impossible, sets the prisoner free—and the prisoner is us.

Context

The message opened with celebration of more than 1,300 baptisms across Life.Church locations, reminding listeners that life change is already happening and God is still at work.

Main Points

1. What Jesus Didn’t Say

• Jesus never said:
  • “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they post.”
  • “Fool me twice and I’ll give you hemorrhoids.”
  • “Sorry, you’ve sinned too much for Me to forgive.”
• Point: Recognizing what Christ didn’t say highlights the power of what He did say.

2. Jesus’ Prayer Pattern (Matthew 6)

• Jesus taught us to pray “Our Father,” not “My Father,” underscoring that God cares about how His children treat each other.
• Verbatim teaching:

  “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

• Forgiveness is not optional add-on spirituality; it is core kingdom living.

3. The Heavy Cost of Unforgiveness

• Unforgiveness wounds three ways:
  • It grieves God, our Father.
  • It poisons the one who carries the grudge.
  • It often spills out on everyone around us.
• Story: In his twenties, Pastor Craig realized mid-sermon that he still held rage toward “finger boy”—a fraternity rival who had mocked him years earlier. The Holy Spirit exposed the hidden grudge in the very moment he was preaching on forgiveness.

4. Real-Life Wounds Are Deep

• Acknowledged the brutal reality of betrayals: adultery, shattered promises, unpaid debts, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
• Story: Craig’s sister Lisa was abused by a respected sixth-grade teacher (“Max”). The crime was so horrific he wouldn’t describe it aloud. The family had to confront how to forgive the seemingly unforgivable.

5. Where Forgiveness Starts: Pray for Your Enemy (Matthew 5)

• Culture said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” Jesus counters:

  “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

• You may not feel like praying; start anyway.
• “Your prayer for those who hurt you may or may not change them, but it always changes you.”

6. Forgive as the Lord Forgave You (Colossians 3:13)

• Greek word for forgive = “to hurl away,” not hide under a rug.
• We extend the same undeserved grace God extended to us.
• Story: Craig and Amy sold an old car on payments; the buyer made one payment and vanished. Anger simmered until Amy said, “Let’s just give him the car.” Choosing to forgive freed them, not the buyer.
• Story: Years later Pastor Craig dishonored his dad in an old sermon tape. When his father—now sober and following Christ—heard it, he replied, “Of course I forgive you. I’ve been forgiven of so much.”

7. Freedom in Forgiveness

• Quote:

  “Forgiveness empowers you to set the prisoner free—and you realize the prisoner was you.”

• Holding a grudge doesn’t make you strong; it makes you bitter. Forgiving doesn’t make you weak; it sets you free.

Key Truths

• God links our experience of His forgiveness to our willingness to forgive others.
• Unforgiveness locks us in a self-made prison; forgiveness holds the key.
• Praying for someone who wronged you is the first practical step toward freedom.
• We forgive by remembering how thoroughly Christ forgave us.
• Forgiveness is not excusing or minimizing evil; it is casting the offense away from our own soul.

Response

• Examine your heart for any hidden grudges or lingering resentment.
• Begin praying daily, by name, for the person who wronged you.
• Verbally release the debt—“I choose to forgive ___ as Christ forgave me.”
• Seek reconciliation where possible: make the call, send the note, have the conversation.
• Replace replayed hurts with reminders of God’s grace toward you.

Closing

Jesus was not harsh when He connected our forgiveness to forgiving others; He was offering freedom. Refusing to forgive keeps wounds infected, but hurling the offense away brings healing and joy to our Father’s heart.

“Holding a grudge doesn’t make you strong—it makes you bitter. Forgiving doesn’t make you weak—it sets you free.”

Prayer

Pastor Craig led two prayers: one for believers to forgive, and another for people to receive Christ. In summary:

• Asked God for the Spirit’s power to release bitterness and bless those who hurt us.
• Invited anyone aware of their own sin to call on Jesus for complete forgiveness, new life, and the filling of the Holy Spirit.