Day 10 - A New Self

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:17-32; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Do you ever wish you could have a "do-over," a chance to go back and do something differently, to avoid a big mistake you made? Most of us can recall times when we did something foolish or sinful. We wish we could take back that one conversation or email, that one deed that remains imprinted on our minds. Perhaps some of us wonder whether God could ever accept us with these blemishes in our past.

The good news of Jesus is that God makes us new. He not only wipes away our past sins; He creates a new person by reconciling us to Himself through Jesus. Our change to new life in Christ doesn't depend on our willpower. God does not just forgive our sins and then say, "Now try hard to do things differently." When we confess our sins, God offers us the gift of redemption in Jesus. When we trust in Christ, God does not count our sins against us. What a gracious gift!

This awesome truth gives us new freedom as we live. God knows that we are sinners, but our status at the judgment is not "sinner." Instead, we are redeemed and newly created in Christ. God sees in us the perfect love of Jesus. He calls us to live for Jesus and to share the good news of his love with other sinners who are in need of the same grace.

God has given us something better than a “do-over.” He forgives us and makes us new in Jesus. We can see changes in our lives, but, more importantly, we learn to see God at work, the one who is making us new. Can you see his work in you?

Holy Spirit, show me my new self. Help me to see how You are making me new.  You know every weakness and sin in me, yet for Jesus’ sake You see me as righteous. Deepen my trust in You, Jesus, so that I may live as an ambassador for You. Make me more like You in this new year. In Your name. Amen.