As You Turn Over A New Leaf, Don't Forget to Make Amends
Submitted by Steven Temple, The Pastors Pen
Jan 1, 2026

It is the time of year when Christmas is behind us, and people are making plans for the new year. Resolutions are being made, and plans for many changes are being made. Many ideas, thoughts, promises, desires, hopes, all run through our minds as well as we share them with those close to us.

No matter what your resolution is, we all look to turn over a new leaf as the new year begins. We want things to be better, more efficient, share more memories, hit the gym, lose weight, and progress our livelihoods or relationships. As you turn over this new leaf, do not forget to make amends for the things in your life right now. Make things right with those that you need to make things right with.

This past Sunday, I preached this same thought during our service. I asked the congregation to think about the year that has passed by. I asked them if they owed anyone an apology, and if they did, to make sure to correct what they could before the new year begins. We want to leave all hurts, pains, wrongs, failures, broken relationships, and so on behind so that we can have this new start to the year. Making amends now will ensure that you do not carry those same things into the new year. In Isaiah 43, the prophet tells us to forget the former things, not to dwell on the past, for God is doing a new thing. This reminds us that a true new beginning is more than motivation; it is transformation. Making sure that when we turn this leaf over, the things on the other side do not roll over to the new. Get rid of all the things that will not benefit or encourage you in this new year.

To have a fresh start, we must understand the magnitude of the prayer David prays in Psalm 51:10 that says, “Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.” Real change begins on the inside. It begins when the heart is cleansed and made fresh. David also goes on to say in Psalm 139, “Search me and know my heart, see if there be any wicked thing in me.” Making sure our hearts are cleansed and our hearts are pure will determine our turning over a new leaf.

We all have the ability to ask forgiveness from anyone that we have hurt or offended along the path of life. We must get our pride out of the way and make these amends, or we will never truly turn over a new leaf or have a true, fresh start in the new year. Be reconciled to others as well as unto God to start this new year that lies ahead of you. Whatever you determine to do in this new season, as you turn over a new leaf, don’t forget to make amends.

Reverend Steven Temple is the Pastor of The Church on the Hill, Rose Hill, VA. You can reach Pastor Steven at pastor.steven.temple@gmail.com