Romans 12:9c

[9] hold fast to what is good. (ESV)

Left to myself, my default is negativity, grumbling, complaining, whining, and just general grumpiness.  It is much easier to find the bad in life and in people than it is to find the good–and then to hold fast to it.

Fortunately, I am no longer left to myself.  I am indwelt by the very Spirit of Jesus who has forgiven me and made me new.  By His strength I am able to overcome old modes of thinking, release the bad, and hold fast to that which is good.  My heart now tends much more toward gratitude, focusing on what I have, rather than what I don’t have.  Jesus has made the difference.

There is still a strong gravitational pull toward the bad, and sometimes I give in.  But the power of Jesus is greater and enables me more and more to hold fast to what is good.