Turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie—oh my!
Thanksgiving has become synonymous with abundance, from tables overflowing with food to the rush of Black Friday that follows. But at its heart, Thanksgiving has always meant something deeper.
Thanksgiving is a reminder to lift our hearts in gratitude to God, the giver of every good gift [James 1:17]. As we gather around the table with reverence, we remember His faithfulness, rejoice in His blessings, and share His love with others. Together, we’re the Body of Christ—bearing one another’s burdens, celebrating His provision, and extending grace outward. True thanksgiving begins with Him and overflows into the lives of those around us.
Good community
The first Thanksgiving was born in fellowship. The Wampanoag people shared knowledge and resources with the Pilgrims, helping them survive and thrive in a new land. Without this partnership, history may have been very different.
As believers, community is not optional—it’s essential. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the power of fellowship, and for good reason. Biblical community offers countless blessings, including:
- Mental, emotional, and spiritual health: Community reduces loneliness, nurtures joy, and provides encouragement, empathy, and prayer in seasons of suffering [1 Thessalonians 5:11].
- Belonging, support, and collective strength: We have greater impact when working together toward common goals. We achieve greater results by pooling ideas and problem-solving together, and by sharing burdens and blessings, we mirror God’s family design (Galatians 6:2).
- Strengthened faith: Gathering with believers deepens our understanding of God’s Word [Acts 2:42] and strengthens our walk with Jesus through prayer and worship.
- Accountability in holiness: Biblical community holds us accountable. Through fellowship, we can lovingly correct each other, encourage one another, help resist sin, and grow in Christlike character [Hebrews 10:24–25].
- Living out the Gospel: Unity in the Body of Christ demonstrates God’s love to the world [John 13:35], especially when we serve each other in sacrificial love [Galatians 5:13]. The Body of Christ shines brightest when we share resources and support, lifting each other up in times of need.
Come to the table
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to honor God through our fellowship, and approaching Christian community with reverence means remembering that fellowship is more than social connection—it’s a holy gift. Here are some ways we can be God honoring as we fellowship with each other—and even non-believers—this Thanksgiving:
- Pray first: Before you gather ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart and fill you with love.
- Cultivate gratitude: In the true theme of Thanksgiving, posture your heart with gratitude, and thank God for the gift of belonging. A grateful heart turns social gatherings into worship.
- See Christ in others: Remember every person is created and loved by God, worthy of love and grace. Whether with close friends, strained family relationships, or church community, treat each person as an image-bearer of God.
- Come to serve, not just receive: Ask, “How can I bless or encourage someone today?” Approach your Thanksgiving gathering with humility, ready to listen and build up others.
- Treasure God’s Word together: Show up with eagerness for Scripture, not just social bonding. Reverence grows when the Word remains central.
At its best, Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a glimpse of God’s kingdom. When we come together with grateful hearts, united in Christ, our approach to community becomes a living testimony of His love.
