AS THE NEW YEAR begins, many of us take time to think about our lives. We look back at what we’ve done and think about what we hope to achieve in the coming year. We often think of the new year as a great time for new goals and fresh starts. For Christians, this is also a chance for us to grow closer to Jesus and renew our commitment to Him.

The idea of starting fresh isn’t just tied to a calendar change; it’s something God offers us every day through Christ. The Bible tells us in Second Corinthians 5:17 (NLT), “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” When we put our faith in Jesus, we become new people. God forgives our past sins, mistakes, and failures, and we have a chance to begin again. No matter what happened last year, good or bad, we can start fresh because Jesus forgave us and has given us a new life.

So, how can we start fresh with Christ this year?

Let Go

First, we need to let go of the past. In Philippians 3:13–14, the Apostle Paul says to forget what is behind and focus on what is ahead. This doesn’t mean we should ignore our past or pretend it didn’t happen. It means we should give our past to God—our mistakes, our regrets, and our sins. When we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, we let go of things that hold us back and receive God’s healing and freedom in that area. The Bible assures us that God’s mercies are new every morning
(Lam. 3:22–23), which means each day can be a new beginning.

Renew Your Mind

Next, we must renew our minds. Romans 12:2 encourages us not to follow the ways of the world but to be transformed by renewing our minds. This happens when we spend time reading God’s Word. The more we read the Bible, the more we get to know God. We find out Who He is and what He wants for our lives. The Bible is full of truth and wisdom. When that truth and wisdom changes the way we think, it can help us make better decisions and live in a way that honors God.

As we enter the new year, we should make it a priority to set aside time every day to study the Bible and pray. This will help us maintain a close relationship with our Heavenly Father. And it will give us the strength, faith, and wisdom we need to face whatever the new year brings.

Connect

Another important step in starting fresh is to connect with other believers. Hebrews 10:24–25 tells us to encourage each other and not to give up meeting together. The Christian life isn’t meant to be lived alone. Being part of a church and connecting with other believers gives us support, encouragement, and accountability. It also gives us the opportunity to learn from one another, pray for one another, and help each other grow. We can attend church, join a Bible study, or spend time with Christian friends. However we gather, being in community with others is a vital part of living a healthy and successful Christian life. (For more on this topic, check out “Building Stronger Bonds in the New Year” on page 4.)

Stay Mission-Focused

Finally, we must focus on the mission Jesus has given us—the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus tells us to go and make disciples of all nations. This year, let’s make it our purpose to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with others. We can share our faith, help others through acts of kindness, or simply live in a way that reflects Christ. Whatever we do, we are called to be His representatives in the world.

The new year is about more than just making resolutions; it’s an opportunity to truly start fresh in our relationship with God. Let’s use this time to draw nearer to Him, strengthen our faith, and walk closer with Him each day.