Jesus Christ and the Power of New Beginnings

by John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Every one of us longs for a fresh start—a moment when we can lay down what weighs on our hearts and begin again with hope. In his powerful General Conference message “Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning,” Elder Patrick Kearon teaches that new beginnings are not rare spiritual privileges reserved for the few; they are the very heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through Him, every one of us—no matter our history, weaknesses, or discouragements—can rise again. Even me. Even you.

Summary of Elder Kearon’s Message

Elder Kearon begins by highlighting a profound scriptural understatement: “Jesus went about doing good.” This simple phrase cannot contain the immeasurable compassion, mercy, power, and goodness of the Savior’s earthly ministry. He touched the untouchable, lifted the broken, forgave the sinner, healed the sick, and raised the dead. To every person He encountered, the Savior offered a new beginning.

These new beginnings are not limited to ancient stories. Elder Kearon teaches that Jesus offers the same new beginnings to us—every day, every week, and every moment when we turn toward Him. Baptism, covenants, repentance, sacrament, and enduring faith are pathways through which He invites us to “walk in newness of life.”

Repentance, Elder Kearon reminds us, is not meant to be a fearful concept. It is joyful. It is hopeful. It is a daily gift that opens the door to change. Through Jesus Christ, we can shed old patterns and rise with renewed spirit—even when we feel stuck, discouraged, or imperfect.

Five Quotes That Illuminate the Message

1. “All of us can have a new beginning through, and because of, Jesus Christ. Even you.”

2. “He is the very essence—and source—of goodness!”

3. “Jesus gives us as many new beginnings as we need.”

4. “You don’t have to be who you’ve been before.”

5. “New beginnings are at the heart of the Father’s plan! Fresh starts are the mission of the Son!”

Personal Application: My Own Need for New Beginnings

As I reflect on Elder Kearon’s message, I feel the Savior’s invitation deeply. I have places in my life where I need new beginnings—where I long for His forgiveness, strength, and renewing grace. Like many, I stumble in familiar ways and sometimes feel weighed down by the very patterns I want to overcome. Elder Kearon’s message reminds me that Christ does not tire of offering new starts, even to me.

My Personal Need for Renewal

• Writing and Research Goals:
  I often feel discouraged when I don’t meet my personal writing and research goals. The gap between what I want to accomplish and what I actually do sometimes leaves me overwhelmed. I need a new beginning—one grounded in discipline, compassion for myself, and Christ’s enabling power.

• Scripture Study and Prayer:
  I don’t study the scriptures or pray as consistently as I should. I know the peace and clarity these habits bring, yet I drift. The Savior offers me the chance to begin again—to rebuild spiritual habits one quiet moment at a time.

• Type 2 Diabetes and Healthy Eating:
  I struggle with my eating and diet. I put on weight and reach for unhealthy snacks. I know better, and yet I fall back into old patterns. The Lord invites me to a fresh start—not just to “try harder,” but to let Him strengthen my desire for health and self-mastery.

• Emotional Responses and Relationships:
  When discouraged, I sometimes become grumpy or irritable. I react in ways that hurt my dear sweetheart wife—who deserves affection, gentleness, kindness, and love. I need a new heart. I want to replace impatience with warmth, worry with gratitude, and frustration with kindness.

• Replacing Old Habits with New Ones:
  Elder Kearon teaches that we really can become new creatures in Christ. I feel that truth. I need new habits—habits that nourish my body, deepen my spirit, and strengthen my relationships. The Savior does not expect me to change alone. His grace is the power that makes lasting change possible.

What I Know Because of Jesus Christ

Because of the Savior, my failures are not final.
Because of Him, my weaknesses do not define me.
Because of Him, every day is a new dawn, a new beginning.

Conclusion: A Hopeful and Encouraging Future

Elder Kearon ends with a reminder that the greatest new beginning in history occurred when Jesus Christ rose from the tomb. Through His Resurrection and Atonement, every one of us can rise—from sin, from discouragement, from unhealthy habits, from fear, from spiritual fatigue, from emotional struggle.

There is no “too late.” There is no “too many times.”
The Savior offers a new beginning today—right now.

With His help, I can change. You can change.
We can walk forward with hope, courage, and confidence that Jesus Christ—the Author and Finisher of our faith—will walk beside us as we take every small, imperfect step toward Him.

New beginnings are real. They are personal.
And they are available as often as we need them.

Reference

Kearon, P. (2025, October). Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/31kearon

Keywords

new beginnings, repentance, Jesus Christ, hope, change

Labels: atonement, change, hope, Jesus Christ, new beginnings, repentance

// posted by John Fisher @ November 23, 2025