Today’s devotional is all about “The New Man,” which is a look into becoming someone new, even someone better.

It’s all about love, peace, and how one can be divinely different, like a fresh start for yourself.

So how do you shed the old stuff and bring in something new – a new you covered in love, wrapped in God’s peace and connected to everyone else like a big family?

Well, if you’re curious about changing for the better, let’s get started. Welcome!

Key Takeaway to The New Man

  • The New Man: The main thing here is you can be different, in a good way – be someone new, with love and peace as your guide.

Anchor Bible Verse of the day – Colossians 3:14-15

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

This biblical passage is an exhortation to adorn oneself with love, recognizing it as the indispensable bond of perfection.

It invites believers to let the peace of God preside over their hearts, emphasizing a collective calling to unity and gratitude.

Key Explanations:

  • Put on love: Believers should intentionally wear love as one would put on a garment.
  • Bond of perfection: Love is presented not merely as an emotion but as the unifying force that brings completeness and wholeness.
  • Let the peace of God rule: Believers are encouraged to allow the peace of God to govern and guide their hearts.
  • Called in one body: The communal aspect of this call, highlights unity within the body of believers.
  • Be thankful: Gratitude is positioned as a natural response to the power of love and the peace of God.

Reflection on The New Man

The New Man is like getting a fresh start. Colossians 3:14-15 figuratively talks about taking off old, scratchy clothes and putting on new, comfortable ones.

It’s about having love and peace in your heart, like your favorite outfit that you never want to take off.

I want you to imagine a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. That’s what being the new man is about. It’s not just behaving better; it’s like being a whole new person inside.

Remember the story of the Prodigal Son? It’s like that.

The Prodigal Son was a bit of a rebel, but when he went back home, his dad loved and forgave him. It wasn’t just about saying sorry; it was like becoming a different person, someone new. That’s the New Man.

Forgiveness is a big part of it.

The Prodigal Son’s dad forgave him, and that changed everything. Forgiving others is like putting on the New Man every day. It’s about choosing to be kind even when it’s hard.

At times, being the New Man is a team effort. Our anchor verse talks about being part of one big family, like a team that plays together. It’s not about being the same but about working well together, like different instruments in a band making beautiful music.

So, how do you become The New Man?

It’s about choosing love over being mad, peace over worry, and being thankful for what you have. It’s like weaving a beautiful pattern in your life, a pattern that looks like Jesus.

Let’s look at Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), a guy who wasn’t very nice. When he met Jesus, everything changed. He decided to do what was right and help others. That’s being the New Man in action.

Your choices can be like that, too – changing not just you but the world around you.

As you go on this journey of being the New Man, think about Zacchaeus.

Let love and acceptance be like superheroes in your life. When you choose love and forgive, you’re not just changing yourself; you’re changing the world for the better.

So, being The New Man isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a daily choice to be loving, peaceful, and thankful. It’s like creating a beautiful masterpiece with the help of God’s love and peace, making you more like Jesus every day.

Call to Action

As you step into the identity of the New Man today, intentionally choose love as your garment. Let forgiveness be your strength, and allow the peace of God to govern your interactions.

Extend a hand of reconciliation where needed, and, above all, cultivate a heart of gratitude for the work taking place within you.

Prayer Points for Today:

  • Bold Pursuit of Love: Pray for the courage and intentionality to pursue love in every aspect of your life.
  • Unity in the Body: Pray for unity and harmony within the body of believers, that the love of Christ binds them together.
  • Gratitude Overflow: Ask God to cultivate a heart of gratitude, and recognize His work in your life.

Let’s pray

Our Father, as we embark on this journey to become The New Man, clothe us in the power of Your love and let the peace that surpasses understanding rule in our hearts. We come before you with gratitude, acknowledging your work in us.

In the mighty and precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

My prayer for you today: I pray that as you embrace The New Man within, the love and peace of God become your guiding light.