Redo’s, Retakes, Do-Overs, and a New Year with Jesus

No matter what denomination of faith we worship in, likely none of us has ever heard a pastor, minister, priest, or rabbi say while in the middle of a sermon message to their congregation, “Wait, I didn’t like the way that sounded, I’ve made a mistake, and I’m going to start all over again.” However, in film, television, photography, and all forms of digital media ‘retakes’ are regularly done when the first attempt did not meet the desired standards or expectations. Similarly, more than one attempt at securing a professional certification is commonplace. Even in some academic situations, students might be given the opportunity to "retake" an exam if they didn’t achieve a passing grade on the first attempt.

We might ask for a "do over" when engaging in casual games or sports if a play is contested, or if something interferes with the game. In a work setting, we might be inclined to scrap an idea or restart a project if we feel that’s needed to improve its outcome. Starting over is an uncomfortable, and yet sometimes liberating reality after a divorce, or at the start of a new relationship. New beginnings and fresh starts often accompany new responsibilities at a current job, or when embarking on new employment.

The tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions began 4000 years ago with the ancient Babylonians. (*According to a Dec 2024 article by CNN.com). In these ‘New Year’s Resolutions’ we set goals for personal growth or improvement, whether mental, emotional, physical, or in any combination. Redo’s, retakes, and do-overs are opportunities to try something again, usually to achieve a better result after an initial attempt didn't go as planned. They provide an opportunity to improve the result and achieve a better outcome and offer a second chance for individuals to meet required standards or correct mistakes. Redo’s, retakes, and do-overs are a way to acknowledge that sometimes we need another attempt to get things right, and they can be a valuable part of learning and growth.

We learn about God’s gracious forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22 with the parable of the unmerciful servant. According to the Bible, when Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother or sister who sins against him, Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” We are all forgiven so much throughout our lives by God that the amount is incalculable, and we are expected to pass this forgiveness on to each other. Essentially, God is giving us all unlimited ‘do-overs’ in our faith walk with Him.

God accepts all people, and that usually brings a feeling of love, and peace. But how do we feel, really feel, about the notion of God forgiving our enemies? Can we imagine, or even accept in our hearts, the idea of breaking bread at Christ’s table with those who have wronged us?

A second chance is a beautiful, and gracious gift from God, when it’s our second chance, - but when it’s someone else’s, our opinions weigh heavy on our spirits. We can sometimes view the mistakes of others as an unforgiveable violation of trust. Our perception of proper human ethics, when breached, is unforgiveable to us in certain respects. How many mistakes do we, ourselves, consider unforgivable?

It takes humility, and acknowledgment of our mistakes to be truly repentant, and ask God for forgiveness. It takes grace, patience, and the forgiveness of holy love to welcome a second chance after a mistake is made.

Obedience to God is a lifelong lesson, and essential for our spiritual growth. Our obedience is a display of trust in God’s ability to sustain, restore, measure - and lead us appropriately. Our obedience to God is a demonstration of our love for God. “If you love Me, you will do as I command,” Jesus tells us in John 14:15.

If we erased all of the mistakes, particularly painful, or embarrassing moments in our pasts, - we’d likely eliminate some of our most valuable lessons. Humility allows us to grow from our weak moments, and teaches us to trust in, and rely on the Lord to guide us more. When we forgive, we aren’t reflecting our stance on the infraction made, we’re reflecting our loving character in Christ. We forgive because He first forgave, not because we’ve weighed and measured the violation to our own final judgement and conclusion. In forgiving ourselves, and others, we reflect the kind of love God has for us. Agape. This is a profound sacrificial love that transcends and persists regardless of circumstance and is the kind of love God has for each and every one of us.

- No matter how many second chances we need, God’s love for us never diminishes. -

God’s tolerance for our shortcomings doesn’t degrade over time. This year let’s all be resolute to think of God’s everlasting and benevolent love for us as we ask for one redo, do-over, and retake in our lives after another. And let’s never forget that it’s our love for Christ that we offer this forgiveness to others as they ask for their own redo’s, do-over’s, and retakes.

*REF

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/31/health/new-years-resolutions-history-wellness/index.html