When Resoultions Fade

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
Titus 3:4-7 (NIV)

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

The holidays were over, and the cleanup had begun. Trash and recycling pickup loomed, so I tackled the mountain of Amazon boxes, crumpled wrapping paper, and holiday remnants cluttering our home. As I worked, my mind wandered to new year hopes… a cleaner house, better habits, a fresh start. Could I motivate my family to help? Even getting laundry into the hamper instead of left on the floor would feel like a victory!

But as I cleaned, I remembered previous January resolutions, those ambitious goals that faded before the month ended. How easily our motivation wanes as days tick by and good intentions slip through our fingers.

When that happens, frustration creeps in. And with it, a quiet lie: that God is disappointed in my lack of performance. Does He love me less when I fail to keep my goals? Of course not. Yet even when our minds know the truth, our hearts sometimes struggle to believe it.

Here's the beautiful reality: God's grace, mercy, and salvation aren't based on our merit or anything we accomplish. His love isn't contingent on our ability to master our to-do lists or keep our resolutions. Titus reminds us that "when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy."

Read that again. Not because of righteous things we had done.

God saved you through His mercy… not your performance, not your appearance, not your good works. His love for you is complete, unwavering, and freely given. It cannot be earned, and it cannot be lost.

So, as you face this new year, with its inevitable unmet goals and unfolded laundry, rest in this unchanging truth: you are deeply loved, fully accepted, and eternally secure in Christ. Not because of what you do, but because of what He has already done.