GratefulSample

If we're being honest, we have to admit that some people in our lives are a lot easier to love than others.

Have you ever found that the people you have a hard time loving are also the ones you have a hard time being thankful for?

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes about what it means to clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. He illustrates the act of being compassionate and grateful as an active choice. Living with gratitude is a lot like deciding what to wear for the day; it's something we intentionally do.

Have you ever asked yourself, "Why is it so difficult to deal with this person?" How do we become thankful for people who have let us down, hurt us, or discouraged us along the way?

The answer is simple to say, but hard to put into practice ...

Being grateful and thankful for the people God brings into our lives is the first step in breaking the cycle of conflict, hurt feelings, and unmet expectations.

After all, this is why Jesus came to earth: to bring us peace with God and with others. Regardless of how "good" we think we are, the ultimate reality is that God — in all goodness, love, and mercy — has chosen to forgive us of the hurt, pain, and drama we've caused.