grace given me

It’s that time of year again—when the Christmas decorations get packed up and returned to the attic, the twinkle lights come down, and we make space for what’s next. A new year invites us into new beginnings. It offers the chance for a fresh start, a clean slate, and renewed vision. That’s why the turning of the calendar is such a popular time to reflect, reset, and resolve.

Scripture reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18) Whether you are entering this new year full of hope or carrying a bit of trepidation, don’t miss this opportunity to set a vision for yourself. Vision matters. What you see, you can believe. What you believe, you can take steps toward. And what you consistently take steps toward begins to take shape as your new reality. I once heard it said that we are the sum of our decisions. While life can change in one dramatic moment; more often, it shifts through quiet choices made day after day. Set a vision, then make one decision that aligns with it. Then make another. And another. Over time, those decisions compound into transformation.

I was considering the common resolutions that we all make: Eat healthier. Work out more. Drink more water. Be a better steward of money. Learn a new skill. Read more books. Reduce screen time. If you’re anything like me, you probably have some version of each of these on your list. And to be clear—they are all good. Healthy bodies, wise finances, personal growth and disciplined habits matter. But as I was reading 1 Corinthians 13:13, I felt drawn to go deeper. The verse says, “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” In that moment, I realized there is good—and then there is best.

Our health may fade. Money can come and go. Talents and skills can help us achieve a dream and still leave us feeling depleted. But faith, hope, and love are eternal. These are the things that last forever. And unlike other resolutions where we have to do all of the work, God is eager to give these to us if we ask. 

Faith: Feeling low in the faith department? Don’t be ashamed—just ask God for more. The Bible tells us the disciples did exactly that. Another man once cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) Jesus didn’t rebuke him. He met him right where he was and supplied what he needed.

Hope: Has this past year knocked you around a bit, leaving you feeling hopeless? Scripture promises that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31) Hope grows when we shift where we place our trust. The God of hope can supernaturally replace despair with joy and peace that surpass understanding.

But the greatest of these is love.

Make love your New Year’s resolution, and prepare yourself for a truly transformative year. Want to be more successful at work? Love more. I recently made it a goal to intentionally love my boss, and I can honestly say it has brought more fulfillment and joy into my work than I expected. Want a happier marriage? Love more. My husband and I recently had a misunderstanding and I was fully prepared to press my point. God whispered, “love my boy.” I chose love—and not only did the issue resolve, but it was followed by unexpected tenderness and connection.

The Bible tells us that those who love much are forgiven much. Love covers a multitude of things. Love changes everything for good. Love is what makes our actions, words, and even our gifts truly effective. People may have different skills and varying levels of talent, but everyone can have a huge amount of love. Let this be a year marked not just by good resolutions, but by the best of all.

Lord, thank you for the awesome gifts of faith, hope and love. In this new year give us the greatest measure of love we can handle. Be reckless with us Lord and show us how to follow your example. Stir up in us real love, just as 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Here’s to a year of love. Amen.