Resolutions

It is that time of year once again when we all make those “New Year’s Resolutions”. Do you remember what yours were last year? If you are like most of us, me included, you don’t. I have often wondered where and when this tradition began. According to the internet, it dates back to the early Babylonians. So it would seem that we have a long history of both making and breaking New Year’s resolutions.
Everyone has some aspect of their lives they would like to change or improve on. Be it a bad habit, weight, exercise, health, financial, or work; we all can find something we want to change in our lives. As well, we can find areas of our Christianity we can improve on as well. Many will resolve to read their Bible more, pray more, be more mission minded, and be involved. And all of these are good things to strive for. But I want to challenge you to make a New Year’s resolution with me that cover all these things and more. Be more like Jesus every day. He has told us that:

These things I command you, so that you will love one another. "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. (John 15:17-21 ESV)

If we are following His commandments and His example, we will love each other. No matter what happens. We will laugh together, cry together, feel joy together, and feel pain together. And there will be times that we will be the source of pain to another brother or sister. And when that happens, let us strive to have the heart of Jesus, who from the cross, looking down at those who had Him crucified, said


"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34 ESV) Can this often be said about those who cause us pain? We as humans often hurt feelings, step on toes, and offend each other, and never realize it has occurred. When this happens, we are to “love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another”. (John 13:34 ESV) and forgive each other as God forgives us. In doing so, we bless those who hurt us, and receive a blessing ourselves.

I pray that we all have the forgiving heart of Jesus in the coming year, and His love shines in our lives every moment of every day.