Focus for the New Year

Embracing God's Boundless Love: My Focus for the New Year

Hey friends, as we wave goodbye to another year and step into the fresh possibilities of 2026, I've been reflecting a lot on what I want this new chapter to look like. Do you have a word or a focus for the new year? Maybe it's "growth," "adventure," or "balance." For me, it's all about diving deeper into God's love. Specifically, I want to spend more intentional time with Jesus, asking Him to reveal just how high, how deep, how long, and how wide His love truly is for me—and for all of us.

You know, in the hustle of everyday life, it's easy to skim the surface of faith. We go to church, say our quick prayers before meals, and maybe read a verse or two on our phone apps while waiting in line for coffee. But what if we slowed down? What if we really leaned in to understand the magnitude of God's love? I'm talking about that Ephesians 3:18-19 kind of love—the one that's so vast it surpasses knowledge, filling us to the measure of all the fullness of God. That's my goal this year: to not just know about it intellectually, but to experience it in my bones, in my daily grind.

Think about it in terms of parenting or friendships. As a parent (or even as a friend), there are days when the kids are testing every limit, or a buddy lets you down big time. Our human love can run dry—we snap, withdraw, or hold grudges. But God's love? It's like an ocean that never recedes. He doesn't love us because we're perfect; He loves us in our mess, our doubts, our failures. Remembering the cost of that love—the cross, the forgiveness that Jesus paid for with His life—humbles me. It reminds me that if He can forgive my endless shortcomings, who am I to withhold forgiveness from others?

This year, I'm committing to practical steps to make this focus a reality. Mornings will start with unhurried time in Scripture, maybe journaling about verses like Romans 8:38-39, which talks about nothing separating us from God's love. I'll aim for weekly "love challenges"—small acts like reaching out to someone I've been avoiding or serving in my community without expecting anything back. And on the tough days (because let's be real, there will be plenty), I'll whisper quick prayers for that deeper understanding. Who's with me? Imagine how our relationships, workplaces, and even social media feeds could transform if we all poured out more of His love.

Father, I lift up this prayer for myself and every person reading this today. Help us grow in Your love this year. Open our hearts to understand on a deeper level just how much You adore us—what it cost You to forgive us so completely. Empower us to offer that same love and forgiveness to everyone we meet, from our closest family to those who feel like enemies. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking us, for hearing our prayers even when they're whispered in desperation, and for blessing us with more than we could ever ask or imagine. We love You, Lord! Thank You for loving us first, fiercely, and forever. Amen.

What about you? Share your new year's focus in the comments—I'd love to hear and pray alongside you. Let's make 2026 a year overflowing with God's love!