New Creation

We think a great deal about people, be it family, friends, or strangers near Christmas time. It is important how we view other people since we are only declared sinless. Jesus' sacrifice provides two choices, to view them as spiritual brothers and sisters which we might encourage or a person whom we might influence to look toward Jesus in some way. Brothers and sisters will likely disappoint us at various points, however, if we will allow, the Holy Spirit can motivate us to consider them in a different way, valued beyond their earthly existence and actions. "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." — 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 (ESV)