Golden Nugget: When Jesus changes you, He changes your perspective about the past. 

Daily Message:

“When a day begins, you never know how it will end.” —Warren Wiersbe

The Bible story of Zacchaeus is a great example of what happens when Jesus truly enters the life of someone with a terrible past. Zacchaeus was a tax collector who was hated by everyone because he overcharged them for their taxes. The more he cheated people, the more money he made.

When Jesus visited Zacchaeus’s hometown, a great crowd surrounded him, and this curious little tax collector climbed a tree so he could see. Jesus ended up at Zacchaeus’s house that day—and in the process changed his life. 
Zacchaeus’s new heart motivated him to make peace with his past. He gave money to the poor and repaid all those he had defrauded—four times the original amount. No wonder Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house.”

When Jesus changes you, he changes your perspective about the past. But your desire will go beyond just trying to be a better person. As a new Christ-follower, you will be motivated to love people like you have been loved—just as Zacchaeus was motivated to show the love Jesus had demonstrated to him. Your actions can help people see the real love of Jesus.

Consider This:

• What people from your past need to experience the love of Jesus from you?
• How can you plan for that to happen?

Take Action:

Write a letter to someone from your past to tell them about the changes in your life. If needed, ask their forgiveness for any wrong action or attitude of yours toward them. Include your favorite verse from the Bible to help them get a perspective on what is happening in you.