Many circumstances can become invitations to rebirth: a move to a new community, a new role or relationship, a major loss, or an offer to try something fresh vocationally. It’s often scary to encounter and embrace the invitation in any of these situations.
Romans 8 invites us to a freedom amid fear. Fear need not control us because we are “children of God” and “joint heirs with Christ.” If our root identity is as God’s children, then we share in the trinitarian family of Creator, Christ, and Spirit. We are like part four of the loving circle! If we live from our identity as God’s children, then we can call on God as parent and find a divine nearness that settles our spirits.
Because of this promise in Romans 8, we experience rebirth both through releasing and receiving. We release the anxiety that’s gnawed a tender spot in the bottom of our souls. We release our fear of the future’s uncertainty (because it is uncertain, and that’s okay. God will be with us). We release the simmering bitterness that’s bubbled on the back burner for way too long. We release the unfair expectations, the frustrations and secrets we’ve carried for years. We release the stories we no longer want to live. And instead, we receive new life. We are freed to make courageous decisions, live generously, extend grace to all (including ourselves), and find peace amid ambiguity. Trust and an abundance mentality steer this new life.