“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Today we are talking about getting a fresh start. A fresh start is generally what we call ‘starting over.’ In this world, we don’t always get a redo. Our lives are not like computers where we can push delete, have our words be erased forever and start over. Or can we?
We All Make Mistakes
Sure, we all make mistakes at times, but the world is not always a forgiving place. It is not as forgiving of our failings as we may hope it would be. For most of us, when we make mistakes, we generally have to live with the fallout and repercussions of our words and actions. Relationships –even friendships--can be destroyed by our saying or doing things that make others uncomfortable or upset other people around us. Careers can be ruined in a moment due to things we say and/or do. People can be hurt by some of the things we say and do. No-- the world is not a very forgiving place—and our mistakes –and what others may perceive as our failings--may not be soon forgotten.
Having a new beginning in this fallen world can be quite a challenge, but I have some very good news for you if you are interested in starting fresh…Beginning fresh with God is just a simple prayer away, and He God forgives all our sins for the asking. He cleans the slate and erases all our offenses when we come to Him in heartfelt prayer.
When Jesus came, he gave us 2 new commandments that simplified all of the 10 commandments given to us by God through Moses. These 2 new commandments are found in Matthew 22:37-40, and they are as follows:
‘Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the law and prophets hang on these 2 commandments.
Practical Faith
If we are to understand what Jesus was and still is all about today, then we need to understand the power of Love and forgiveness. God is Love, and the power of Love is far beyond any other power we will ever know in this world. For love has the power to heal, to forgive, to calm, and to comfort. It has the power to help us work through mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and bring us true happiness, even joy, despite all odds, and to save us and bring us into eternal life.
Love has the power to bring people from different backgrounds together and to bring peace to this turbulent world. It has the power to soften hearts and open closed minds. So as you can see, the power found in God’s Love--especially the power of the Love that God has for each of us and for all of humanity is like no other power on earth. So it really is all about Love.
So just take a minute and ask yourself this question: Am I personally ready to accept the love God holds especially for me? I am willing to share that tremendous, unmatched Love with others? Am I willing to forgive the unforgiveable, including myself and my own mistakes at times, and make amends with others this day so I can, in turn, be forgiven by God for my own sins? If so, you may be ready to start your new life in Christ Jesus. But how? The Bible tells us:
‘If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.’
Romans 10:9-10
Saved: A Fresh Start
Saved is a word from the Bible that means getting a new life and a fresh start in Jesus. Let us pray the prayer that Jesus gave us:
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Matthew 6:10-14
There is great simplicity in the Christian faith and following Jesus. As you can see, Christianity really is all about Love. Loving God and loving others. When we give our lives to Jesus, we are essentially asking Him to be our Lord and Savior in all things. He will help you grow to trust Him like never before, and give you courage to face each new day. Jesus will pave the way before you, go behind you, raise you up on eagle’s wings, and walk beside you.
For when you start fresh with Jesus, you are a new creation in Him. Life a dry erase board, the slate is cleared. He will be with you every step of the way, helping you, saving you along the way, and leading you to eternal life, simply for inviting Him into your heart to get a fresh start in your daily life. Amen!
© Copyright | Adele M. Gill
The Inspiration Café Blog & Podcast with Adele
https://theinspirationcafeblog.net
