Hebrews 12:14-15 NIV
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
This week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States. I hope every day is a Thanksgiving Day for each of us because Jesus died and rose from the dead so that we can be set free from the bondage of sins. That is a gift we should be thankful for every day! Nonetheless, it is something special when a nation allows a national day to focus on gratitude! Let us make every effort in this season of thankfulness to be set apart by striving to draw near to Christ through our words, actions, and service to others.
Let us make every effort to not allow circumstances to make us “fall short of the grace of God.” Remember what Jesus did when they lied on him, beat him, accused him, mistreated him, and rejected him to the point of death. Scripture says he did not “retaliate” and made no “threat” but “Instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1Peter 2:23). It is quite easy to get mad, disappointed, frustrated, and angry with others around us which can lead to bitter roots. Let us stop and reflect on God's goodness, mercy, forgiveness, grace in our lives and praise him on Thanksgiving. Do not let difficult situations or people steer you away from the Holiness of God! Let your light shine toward your friends and family as you show them the same grace and forgiveness that Jesus has shown us (Romans 5:6-11). Have a grateful Thanksgiving Day!
