Thanksgiving, Christianly
- Ted Wlazlowski
- Nov 28, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2024
Thanksgiving is a season that naturally brings gratitude to the forefront of our minds. But for Christians, Thanksgiving is more than a time for turkey, football, and family—it’s an opportunity to reflect on the ultimate source of our blessings and to live out our faith in meaningful ways. As you gather around the table this holiday season, how can you embody a distinctly Christian approach to Thanksgiving? Let’s explore ways to navigate family dynamics, focus your gratitude, and live generously during this special time.

Handling Disagreement with Grace
For many, Thanksgiving is a joyful reunion with family. For others, it’s a reminder of differences in beliefs and opinions, especially if there are relatives who view Christianity negatively. As followers of Christ, we are called to live peaceably with all, as much as it depends on us (Romans 12:18). This doesn’t mean compromising on truth, but it does mean approaching disagreements with grace and humility.
Listen Before You Speak: Sometimes the most Christlike response is to truly hear someone’s perspective before offering your own. Active listening demonstrates respect, even when you disagree.
Speak the Truth in Love: When opportunities arise to share your faith, remember that how you say something is just as important as what you say (Ephesians 4:15).
Pray for Patience and Wisdom: It’s tempting to respond defensively when your faith is challenged. Instead, pray for the wisdom to know when to speak and the patience to remain kind.
By modeling Christ’s love in your interactions, you might plant seeds of curiosity or even soften a heart toward the gospel.
Whom Are You Thanking?
Thanksgiving, at its core, is about expressing gratitude. But gratitude requires a recipient. When we say "thank you," we’re addressing someone who has given us something. As Christians, we know that every good gift comes from God (James 1:17). Thanksgiving is our opportunity to shift the focus from vague feelings of gratitude to directed worship of our Creator.
When you give thanks this year, take a moment to name the blessings you’ve received and acknowledge God as their source. Consider incorporating a passage like Psalm 100 into your Thanksgiving prayers:
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! (Psalm 100:4, ESV)
This shift in perspective reminds us that Thanksgiving isn’t just a secular holiday; it’s a time for heartfelt worship.
Demonstrating Gratitude This Holiday Season
Gratitude is more than words—it’s an attitude that spills over into action. One way to demonstrate your thankfulness this holiday season is by giving to others. This year, consider using the GiveInstead app from HowGiving to express your gratitude tangibly.
Here’s how it works: Instead of indulging in an unnecessary impulse purchase, redirect that amount to a Christian ministry of your choice. It’s simple:
Open the app and type in the amount you would have spent.
Select a ministry you want to support.
Note what you’re giving up for the sake of generosity.
This small but meaningful act is a beautiful way to reflect the heart of God, who gave His only Son for us (John 3:16). By giving generously, you align your actions with your gratitude and make a lasting impact.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving, Christianly, is about more than a holiday meal. It’s about handling disagreements with grace, directing our gratitude toward God, and living out our thankfulness through generous acts. As you gather with loved ones and reflect on your blessings, let your gratitude be a testimony to the goodness of God.
This year, let Thanksgiving be a time not only to celebrate but also to glorify the One who gives us all we need.
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