As the year moves on, it's easy to reflect on the New Year's resolutions we made and the things we hoped to change, improve, or accomplish. But God invites us into something deeper and far more meaningful.
This year isn't about striving to be perfect or placing pressure on yourself. It's about learning how to live each day in Him, bringing glory and honor to your Creator God, right where you are, just as you are.
When we read Romans 15, we see God’s heart clearly. He calls us to live with love, patience, unity, and hope, not to please ourselves or other people, but to reflect Him in our everyday lives. "May God, who gives patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other ... all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6 (NLT)
A Heart Turned Toward God
As you step into the New Year, begin it God’s way, with your heart focused on Him. Instead of asking, “What do I need to fix about myself?” you can ask, “Lord, how do You want me to live for You this year?”
God cares about your thoughts, your choices, and your desire to honor Him. When you seek Him first, He guides every other part of your life.
Living Out Romans 15
Romans 15 reminds us that following Jesus isn’t just about what we believe, it’s about how we live and how we treat others.
This means choosing patience when things are hard, showing kindness even when it’s not easy, helping those who are having a difficult time, building them up rather than being judgmental, and living in a way that points others to God’s goodness and faithfulness.
This is God’s desire for us, that our lives, attitudes, and relationships bring Him glory together.
What This Looks Like at School and at Home
Living for God’s glory shows up in everyday choices, many of them small, but powerful.
At home, it can look like:
v Doing your chores without complaining
v Being kind and patient with siblings
v Obeying your parents, saying “yes” and doing what’s asked with a willing heart
At school, it can look like:
v Being intentional about completing your classwork and homework
v Helping a classmate who is struggling
v Speaking with kindness instead of joining in gossip
Spiritually, it can look like:
v Reading a chapter or passage from the Bible each day
v Taking five minutes every morning to pray, talking to God, and thanking Him, before getting ready for school (Even if it means getting up five minutes earlier)
These simple choices matter more than you may realize. God sees them, and He honors a heart that desires to please Him.
Shining God’s Light Through Your Actions and Words
God calls us to share His love and His Word, not only through what we say but also through how we live.
When others see your kindness, integrity, patience, and forgiveness, they see Jesus's character. Your life can help them know they are deeply loved by their Creator, the God who sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for their sins and who desires a personal relationship with them.
You don’t have to be loud or have all the answers. Just live faithfully by choosing each day to do what is right, sharing God’s Word with honesty, loving sincerely, and trusting God to use you to support and help your family, classmates, and friends.
Stepping Into the New Year With Hope
As you step into this New Year and return to school, remember this:
You are not alone. God is with you.
You don’t need to live to please people.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You simply need to shine God’s light in every area of your life through your choices, your words, and your actions.
When you live for God’s glory, He fills your life with hope, joy, and peace. Jesus reminds us to seek God’s Kingdom first above all else, to live for Him, share His love with others, and desire to please Him in all that we do. When we do, God promises to meet and provide for all our needs. Matthew 6:33
And that, my sweet, beautiful girl, is truly a different, beautiful, and meaningful way to live as you step into the New Year, 2026.
SHINE BRIGHT CHALLENGE
Hey, beautiful, sweet girl, take the Shine Bright challenge. It’s a simple way to live out Romans 15 this week.
Step 1: Choose One Area
Pick one place where you want to shine God’s light this week:
v Home
v School
v Faith
Step 2: Make a Short List
Write down (or think about) 3 small choices you can make in that area to honor God.
Examples:
v Helping someone who is struggling
v Doing chores with a willing heart
v Studying for a test instead of putting it off
v Speaking kindly instead of joining in gossip
v Praying for five minutes each morning
Step 3: Pause & Reflect
You don’t need to write a lot. Take a moment to think about the question, or write one sentence:
Reflection Question:
How might these choices change your week, or help others see God’s love through you?
Remember: Small choices can shine a very powerful light.
Keep shining brightly!