1 Peter 2:11-12. Peter writes for us in 1 Peter 2:11-12: Beloved,I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh,which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentileshonorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see yourgood deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

This may seem an odd text to choose as we celebrateThanksgiving, but consider what Peter is exhorting his readers to do. Abstainfor the passions of the flesh. Keep your conduct honorable. One of the ways weare able to do this is by having a heart full of thanksgiving. When we aregrateful for the things that we have, we are more likely to avoid the passionsof the flesh. As for our conduct, the same applies. Whether it be in ourrelationships, our family, or finances, our employment, whatever area of yourlife you might examine, when you are thankful for the gifts God has given you,your conduct will naturally improve. You will avoid complaints, you will begenerous with what you have, and you will be thankful for the blessing of God.