Thankful for....

As we get closer to Thanksgiving many people are creating lists of everything they are thankful for. I personally love this idea because I believe that God is glorified when we give Him thanksgiving for all the blessings that He has poured out on us. Today I am most thankful for KINDNESS, LOVE, & MERCY.

Philemon 3:3-5
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

I read this during my quiet time this morning and was filled with a thankful heart. As a believer and follower of Christ, I fully admit that before my heart was changed (and even now sometimes) my life was marked by sin. It is only the kindness, love, and mercy of Christ that has changed me. I feel like this is the message that Christians need to boldly share...that we aren't saved because we "became good enough" but we are redeemed because God loved us so much that He send Jesus to take on our sins. Especially in our country right now with all of the emotions involved in the political climate, I think it's really important to embrace these verses. Speak out against sin, but do so in a way that shows a love for all people and a humility in regards to our own sin. I hope that my thankfulness in what God has done for my life changes the way that I love others.