New Beginnings
New beginnings are not only advised, they are required with God. We must be born again, of the Spirit (John 3).
Am I willing to look at others and recognize their change? Or do I hold their old selves against them? Saul is a great example of someone who made a drastic life change after encountering Christ. After accepting Christ, he was a new creature. Although he had persecuted the church, the disciples were able to recognize his change and accept him as one of them. I need to be able to do this with others. I need to accept that God's power is limitless and even the worst of sinners can be given a new beginning.
Starting over requires repentance. Is our obligation to ask for forgiveness limited to God, or are we also obligated to each other? Is it enough to change, or must we make amends with those we have hurt?
When we recognize that people need a new beginning, we are obligated to make them aware of their sin. If we see that a new beginning is needed, yet do not attempt to set that in motion, we stand in the way of what God wants from others. Jesus sent Saul to Ananias instead of explaining Himself what Saul needed to do. God uses us to bring about others to a right relationship with Him.
