As we begin a fresh new year, I’m reminded of Paul’s beautiful words to the church in Corinth.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17.
What a perfect reminder that each new beginning is an opportunity to experience God’s transformative grace in our lives.
The past year brought challenges for many people in our communities and worldwide. Yet through it all, we’ve witnessed countless examples of God’s faithfulness and the unwavering spirit of strong, mature Christians.
As a United Methodist pastor for over thirty years, I’m consistently moved by how our church family demonstrates Christ’s love in action. The simple act of checking on neighbors, offering prayers for strangers, collecting non-perishable items for our community food pantry, or extending a warm welcome to newcomers reflects the heart of Jesus’ teachings.
Let me encourage you to embrace these four essential spiritual practices, which will deepen your personal walk with Christ and strengthen church communities.
First, prioritize regular worship and prayer.
The early church showed us the power of committed fellowship … “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).
Creating space for God isn’t always easy in our busy world, but it’s essential for spiritual growth. Whether through Sunday worship, participating in small groups, or dedicating personal devotional time each day, these moments of connection with God and other believers anchor our faith.
Second, embrace opportunities to serve.
Paul encourages us in this reminder:
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” – Galatians 5:13.
Know that every act of service, whether big or small, reflects God’s love. Consider joining one of the ministry teams in the church or find ways to serve in your local community. The joy of serving others is unmatched and will fill your heart with contentment and joy.
Third, cultivate gratitude and hope.
The Apostle Paul wrote from prison, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
These words weren’t mere optimism but a deep-seated joy rooted in Christ. When we practice gratitude, even in challenging times, we witness to the hope we have in Jesus, which can uplift and inspire us in the face of adversity.
As we enter this new year, remember that God’s mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). Each day brings fresh opportunities to experience and share God’s love. The challenges of our time—division, uncertainty, political unrest—make the message of Christ’s reconciling love more vital than ever.
Above all, let us embrace Christ’s radical call to love others as He has loved us.
Jesus tells us in John’s Gospel …
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know you are My disciples” – John 13:34-35.
This love goes beyond sentimentality—it’s sacrificial, unconditional, and transformative. When we truly grasp how deeply Christ loves us despite our flaws and failures, we are empowered to extend that grace to others, inspiring us to be the change we want to see in the world.
This Christ-like love breaks down barriers, heals wounds, and builds bridges in a world often divided by differences. Whether forgiving someone who has hurt us, showing kindness to those who differ from us, or extending compassion to those that society often overlooks, we are called to reflect the boundless love of Jesus in tangible ways.
Let the words of Paul inspire us:
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Our world desperately needs the hope, love, and grace that flow from Christ through His people. As we live out our faith in practical ways, we become living testimonies to God’s transformative power.
Remember that you are never alone in your journey of faith. The same Spirit that empowered the early church dwells within you today.
As we begin this new year, may we do so with confidence, knowing that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
May we be filled with moments of genuine connection with God and others, opportunities to serve with joy, support one another, and share God’s love with the world.