Failure to Thrive - Proper Relationships: Apology and Forgiveness

In the final message of our Failure to Thrive series, Pastor Nate unpacks how relationships are vital to our spiritual growth. Just as children cannot thrive physically without love and care, we cannot thrive spiritually without healthy relationships. Where there is sin, conflict is inevitable—but healing comes through apology and forgiveness.

This message explores the five apology languages from "the 5 Apology Languages" by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas—expressing regret, accepting responsibility, making restitution, planning change, and requesting forgiveness—and how each one helps restore broken relationships. It then turns to forgiveness, showing three biblical responses: true forgiveness when there is repentance and apology, loving our enemies when no apology is offered, and bearing with one another in daily grace. Together, these practices allow us to reflect the heart of Christ and move toward the abundant life He promised.