(Joshua 8:19–21)
Championship seasons are rarely undefeated seasons. The NFL has had one team with an undefeated season. The NBA and MLB have had none. Tiger Woods is considered by many as the greatest golfer of all time; he does not always win.
Every Christian makes mistakes. Peter made some serious blunders (Luke 22:45–61), but he bounced back (Acts 2). So can we. If you have forsaken the Lord, do not give up. You can return and live the Christian life. If you have lost your fervor for Christ, you can find it again. If the devil has led you down sin’s road, you can return—as the prodigal did (Luke 15).
There can be victory in breaking bad habits. Many Christians have finally conquered smoking, bad language, procrastination, gossip, and alcohol addiction by saying, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13; cf. 2 Corinthians 3:4–5). Jesus promised, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Our souls are too valuable to give up (Matthew 16:26). Love keeps on keeping on. If you have fallen, get up. God and this church are here to help.
“A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.” – Proverbs 24:16
This article is from a special issue of House to House, Heart to Heart, offering encouragement, hope, and a heartfelt invitation to members of the church of Christ who have been away. Explore more articles from the special Come Home issue here.
