Thankful For Free Will

On this Thanksgiving Day, we celebrate blessings like life, health, and family.  But among all these blessings, one gift is often overlooked: the free will God graciously gives us. Free will isn’t just the ability to choose; it’s the divine invitation to live with purpose.

Scripture reveals three enduring truths about God and our freedom.
First, God created us in love and pours His goodness upon us. From the beginning, God intentionally formed us, breathed life into us, and blessed us abundantly. His creation and His love are inseparable.

Second, God desires an authentic relationship with us—one rooted in love and obedience. Unlike a puppet master, He never forces Himself on us. Instead, He invites us into a life-giving partnership. That’s why in Genesis 2:16–17, God gave Adam and Eve the freedom to choose whether to obey or disobey. Their tragic choice demonstrates that free will has real consequences.

Third, God grants us free will so we can choose to do good, follow Him, and make a positive impact in the world for His glory. Robert Smalls exemplified this truth. Born enslaved, he exercised courageous free will— risking his life at age 23 to seize the Confederate ship Planter, rescue his family, and bring freedom to others. His decision changed history and reminds us how God can work through the brave choices of His people.

But free will also comes with responsibility. In Ezekiel 33:7, God calls His people to be watchmen—messengers of His goodness. If we fail to speak, we fail our calling.

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, God’s Faithful Priest

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, has died at 71.    

Many of us know him as the Bishop of the Sixth Episcopal District, which covers Georgia. During the eight years he served in our state, he was recognized as a tireless advocate for justice. Never backing down from a political fight, he made the moral case for passing Georgia’s first hate crimes law. He helped mobilize and organize voters to realize their potential, leading to the election of two Democratic U.S. Senators and turning Georgia blue for the first time in a generation. 

However, I will remember Bishop Jackson most for the personal impact he had on my life and ministry. He ordained me and assigned me to my first church. Blessed with a photographic memory and a genuine willingness to care and love, the bishop often reached out to check on how I, one of his most junior pastors, was doing. What is remarkable about this story is not unique to me; other pastors, laypeople, and the community at large were touched by his energy, commitment, and love of Jesus, which were at the core of all he did. 

When Aaron Israel’s first high priest died, the text of Numbers 20:28-29 states that the congregation mourned, demonstrating the profound impact a faithful priest has on God’s people. Today, as we gather to celebrate during a time of Thanksgiving, we also mourn Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, even as we express gratitude for the faithful priest God has given us.