It is very common this time of year for people to be thinking about self-improvement and making resolutions to better themselves. A variety of typical resolutions come to mind for most of us like working out more, eating out less, or reading the Bible every day. These are all great goals to strive for and they are attainable. The problem is that most people give up on achieving their goals after the first time they mess up. In fact, roughly a quarter of Americans will have quit their New Years Resolutions today, by the end of the first week of the New Year. And roughly 43% will have given up by the end of the month. 

These statistics got me thinking. When we fail we feel shame and guilt. And if enough days or even weeks go by without trying again we start to think we are too far gone from the goal and there is no redeeming it. I'm talking about something much deeper than exercise or cooking at home. I'm talking about sin. But what if we were shown grace and mercy when we fall short? What if we were given a new chance every morning when we woke up? We are. It doesn't start at midnight on January 1st and it does not end by the first week of the year or month. It is every day. 

Jesus died on the cross for each of our sins so that we could have a fresh start every day in our relationship with Him. This is not a license to continue sinning but rather it is unfailing grace that invites us into a relationship with the creator of the universe. The Lord does not think that you are "too far gone" or that you are unworthy of being forgiven. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross allows you to enter into a relationship with the Lord all you need to do is accept the gift.