October 16 - Put On Love - Decisively

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15 

Be Thankful. It won’t be long until Thanksgiving will be here…well 43 day—so it is a while, but time goes by so very quickly. Now is the time to start planning for a perfect Thanksgiving—one filled with unity, love and thankfulness. Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays of the year—always lots of good food. But also there are lots of opportunities to share with others from the bounty that God has provided to us. It should be a time to go outside our comfort zone and personally reach out to homeless and less fortunate. Start a food drive of your own, or get involved with one that happens locally in your area. Is there an opportunity to gleaning some orchards or even just your own garden to share with others? Put on that heart of compassion. Decisively decide to forgive someone—and instead of bitterness and hard feelings, let a bond of unity form between you. With the peace that Christ gives you because of that decision—give thanks. Jesus deserves to be recognized and appreciated for His enduring love.  

Training Tip – Check with a local agency or church and find a needy family to whom you can minister. With your family plan a Thanksgiving meal for that needy family. Make a shopping list and go to the store and buy everything that is needed for that meal, along with some extras like special holiday napkins, candy and then include an extra roll of paper towels and toilet paper. Let the children make a holiday greeting card and then deliver the fixing for the meal to the family. You may want to include some recipes for the meal, a family devotional book and a holiday movie for the family to watch.

Lord God, Let the word of Christ richly dwell within us, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing us as we sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to You. Whatever we do in word or deed, we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to You Father God. Colossians 3:16-17

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.