Does our past dictate who we are or who we want to be? It’s a question we’ve all pondered. We've all made choices we regret and have aspects of our past we'd rather forget. The desire to separate who we are now from who we once were is a common human experience.
Will I always be defined by my past?
Despite the mistakes and missteps, it’s essential to remember that we have value regardless of what we’ve done in the past. The Bible offers us profound reassurance in 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says:
"Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun."
This verse highlights a powerful truth: our past does not define us. Instead, our choice to embrace a new life in Christ redefines us. Here’s how:
Accept the gift of new life
God offers us a new life when we choose to follow him. We can stop trying to outrun our past and start living in the truth of our new identity. While our choices don’t just magically disappear, God tells us repeatedly that he will “no longer remember our sin” when we follow him. He doesn’t see our past when he looks at our present!
God reassures us in Jeremiah 31:34, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” This promise is echoed in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19: “And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.”
It’s okay to forgive yourself
God is ready to forget your past, even when you aren’t. This can be a challenging concept to grasp, especially when we struggle to forgive ourselves. Yet, the assurance from God is clear: who you were doesn’t have to determine who you are.
So, what does this mean for us today? Forgive yourself, move forward with confidence, knowing that your past mistakes do not define your future. You can embrace the new life God offers and live in the freedom of his forgiveness!
Embrace your new identity
Your past doesn’t have to dictate your future. With faith in Christ, you can embrace a new identity, leaving behind the regrets and mistakes. God’s love and forgiveness offer us a fresh start, a chance to be who we were always meant to be. Will you accept this truth and step into the new life that awaits you?
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The guilt from our past often brings with it a lot of shame. Here’s how to let go of shame and move forward.
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!