"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
Happy New Year!
Normally everyone you meet at this time of year is saying this. Whether it was when the clock struck twelve or, whether it is now, as you walk down the street, meet someone in the supermarket or at church. But when you say this statement, do you really mean it? When someone says this to you, do you receive it as such and declare 'I will have a Happy New Year' or is it just said and forgotten the next moment. It is the same when you say, 'Good Morning' to someone. Do you say it because it is normal to say it or do you say it with meaning - that their morning will be a good one.
Let's look at Paul's teaching here. If you are in Christ - believe in Him and He lives in your heart - then, old things have passed away and all things have become new. However, this is not a one-time exercise, it is an ongoing process. Let me explain, when you have been hurt, disappointed or let down badly by someone, this is a 'present thing'. As long as you hang on to it, it will continue to torment you - the memory will not go away. But, as you forgive that person, this 'present thing' will become an 'old thing' and you will be free.
Don't get me wrong, when you forgive someone who has hurt you, the memory - the scars, may continue to be there. However, once you have forgiven someone, it is your duty to set them free from this just as Jesus forgave you and remembers it no more. Your 'old things' He took away and turned your life into 'new things', He made you a brand new person.
Therefore, take this on board. If you are in Christ, you are a new creation and the old things have gone. He has given you a future full of new things, in fact, a hope. What more could you ask of Jesus at this time. Whether you accept it or not, Jesus has a brand new start to give you; if you allow Him to have you fully, He will turn 2023 into a year of new things. Of course, we do not know what He has planned; we just have to trust Him. So today, when someone says, 'Happy New Year' to you, receive it with gladness and, don't forget to return the blessing to them as well.
Happy New Year!
Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.
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