The Power of Redemption: Leaving the Past Behind.

As I recently scrolled through old Facebook posts, I was struck by the journey I've been on. Posts of pain, happiness, and depression - each one a reminder of the struggles I've faced and the growth I've experienced. But as I reflected on these memories, I was reminded of a crucial truth: my past does not define me.

As Christians, we are often tempted to dwell on our past mistakes and failures. We may feel haunted by the ghosts of our former selves, and struggle to break free from the shackles of shame and regret. But the Bible tells us that we are not bound by our past. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we read, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

This verse reminds us that, in Christ, we are new creations. Our old selves, with all their flaws and failures, are gone. We have been redeemed, forgiven, and transformed by the power of the cross. As the apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:4, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

But how do we live this new life? How do we leave our past behind and walk in the freedom and power of the gospel? The answer lies in the Fruit of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, we read, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

These qualities are not things we can manufacture on our own. Rather, they are the natural result of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. As we surrender to the Spirit's leading, He grows this fruit in us, one by one. We don't have to strive for love, joy, and peace in our own strength. Instead, we can trust the Spirit to produce these qualities in us.

As I looked back on my old Facebook posts, I realized that I was trying to produce the Fruit of the Spirit on my own. I was striving for happiness, peace, and love, but I was doing it in my own strength. I was trying to manufacture these qualities, rather than trusting the Spirit to produce them in me.

But now, I see things differently. I understand that my past does not define me. I am a new creation in Christ, and I have been redeemed by the power of the cross. I don't have to dwell on my past mistakes and failures. Instead, I can trust the Spirit to produce the Fruit of the Spirit in me, one by one.

As I start this new week, I'm choosing to focus on the present and leave the past behind. I'm trusting the Spirit to lead me, to guide me, and to produce the Fruit of the Spirit in me. I'm walking in the freedom and power of the gospel, and I'm living as a new creation in Christ.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for dwelling on the past. Thank you for washing me clean with the blood of Jesus. Help me stay focused on your Word and the gift of salvation. Guard my heart and mind, and keep me centered on your honor and glory.

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

—MC©️

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