The weather is warming, the grass is starting to turn green, and college basketball has taken over the air waves. This could only mean one thing; spring is just around the corner.

Spring is a great time of year. All things seem new. The flowers that have been hidden away for the winter are once again peeking out of the ground. The sights and sounds of new life are everywhere. It's as if nature gets a fresh start every year.

Like nature, we humans need fresh starts every now and then ourselves. Seeing as how God created us, He understands this very well. As a matter of fact, He designed us to need fresh starts.

The ultimate fresh start came 2000 years ago on a hill outside of Jerusalem. Mankind was living in a fallen state; separated from God and without hope. Then right on time, in the fullness of time, Jesus Christ appeared on the scene. His life, death, burial and resurrection offered the ultimate fresh start for mankind. Accepting the finished work of the cross allows us to start life again; reconciled to God, forgiven of sin, and adopted into His family.

God was gracious enough to give us a 'do over'. We should give the same opportunity to others. Many of you reading this column carry scars from emotional and physical wounds that have been inflicted upon you throughout your life. Perhaps you're harboring grudges for wrongs done against you. Ask God to help you forgive. I've heard it said that withholding forgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping someone else dies. I believe that to be true. Forgiveness offers a fresh start, not only to you, but also to those who have hurt or offended you. God will give you the grace to forgive.

As the flowers bloom and the new life springs up around us, my prayer is that new life springs up in your heart through the power of forgiveness. Thank God that He's willing to give a fresh start, not only to the earth, but to us as well.