Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin.
Romans 6:6, LSB
Sin is meant to be dead in us. This means that it is not a thing that reigns in our souls. We are not to ponder our sin, look back on it, or concern ourselves with it. It is that old, pre-Christ-following man that is meant to die, to be crucified so that a new Christ-transformed man arises within every follower of our Lord. We shouldn’t lament the passing of who we once were. Let that person remain dead and buried. As we walk our new path, we are meant to be different and transformed. It can be painful as we leave behind some things. Some of our old friendships and relationships may not remain, but God will provide, and there will be new ahead. Our new life in Christ is one in which we find ourselves freed from the slavery to sin and bound to Him in the promise of a new life. This path is a daily renewal and a rewashing as we journey with our Lord, and He continually destroys the remnants that try to cling to us. We are called to walk with Him every moment and every day, constantly being re-formed into His image and less of what we once knew.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.