Do we still identify ourselves with the mistakes of our past?
We are now at a moment when the year is ending, the holidays are approaching, and the cycle begins again. Many people want to start fresh—start something new—but along the way, they give up. They become insecure and think nothing will change, simply because they believe they don’t deserve it.
In one way or another, we all carry a backpack that we never unload—yet we keep adding more and more to it. For example, every year that ends, that backpack fills up with negative things we just don’t want to let go of.
But the problem is, that burden eventually paralyzes us—to the point where we can no longer move forward.
That’s why the Bible says: “But Jesus, aware of their thoughts, answered and said to them: ‘Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—He said to the paralyzed man—‘I say to you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home!’”
(Luke 5:22–24)
Here, the Lord Jesus asks a very deep question, inviting us to reflect: “How are you reasoning in your heart?”
In the case of the paralyzed man, it’s as if Jesus was saying:
“If you’ve already been forgiven, why are you still unable to walk?”
The Bible doesn’t show the man responding with words—but his actions revealed his answer.
It seems he had been identifying himself with his mistakes and sins. Because once Jesus questioned him—and once he reasoned in his heart—he responded like this:
“Immediately the man stood up in front of them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God.”
(Luke 5:25)
So let me ask it another way:
What are we holding in our hearts that is keeping us paralyzed?
Just like the paralyzed man, many people today still identify themselves with their past sin or failure—even though they’ve already been forgiven. It’s not worth it to keep filling that backpack that keeps us from moving. Jesus shows us that we must empty it into His hands, stand up, and keep going.
Any mistake that has already happened is not worth carrying anymore. Feed yourself instead with what the Bible says, and allow Jesus to forgive you—so that you can move forward.
Every week, the Angels of the Night project goes out to bring a message of faith and hope to those in need. During these visits, food, clothing, Bible studies, and much more are offered. Everyone leaves more than blessed.
If you live in Los Angeles and would like us to visit someone—or if you would like to take part in this faith—join us at 625 S Bonnie Brae St, Los Angeles, CA 90057, or at the nearest Universal Church.
For more information about our events and the work of the EVG group, visit our website or our official platforms.
