Growing in Forgiveness

April 29, 2026 / by Pastor Justin Waples

A definition of forgiveness is “clearing the record of those who have wronged me without holding a grudge.”

Consider with me the work of God’s forgiveness in the believer’s life from Colossians 1:13-14, which says, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

As we reflect on these truths, Growing in Christ means considering the Biblical method for handling confrontation, as illustrated in Matthew 18:15-35. This passage deals with a believer who sins against you. Sometimes, we’re tempted to think, “I can forgive, but I can’t forget!” That may be true; even God does not forget, but He does choose to forget. When God says He will not remember our sins, He means He will never remember them or use them against us. See Psalm 103:8-13. We should follow His example in this.

Growing in Christ maintains an attitude of forgiveness, even if the offender does not repent or admit to their wrongdoing. Without this attitude, we risk falling into bitterness and rejection. See Luke 17:3-4. We must be ready to forgive.

Growing in Christ involves living according to the biblical concept of forgiveness. Ask God to examine your heart to see if there is anyone you need to forgive. Go to God (and to the person involved) to confront this wrongdoing. Ask a trusted friend to hold you accountable. If God does not reveal a specific area of sin to you, think about a situation in your life where a lack of forgiveness, either by you or someone else, hurt someone else.

Consider 1 Peter 3:8-9, which says, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”

Pastor Justin Waples is East White Oak’s Outreach and Discipleship Pastor. He is married to Abigail and they are blessed with five children. Justin is passionate about equipping the saints for ministry and helping each member reach out to their neighbors and community.