Navigating Thanksgiving with Grace

While finishing up a mid-week Bible study that I lead, I informed everyone present that we would be taking a break next week for Thanksgiving. I then asked how the members of the study group would be spending their holiday. Just about everyone had plans to be with family and friends—some would travel, and others would stay home and host company.

As our discussion continued, we all acknowledged something we already know well: Thanksgiving dinner can be a mixed bag when it comes to table talk. And when that table talk turns to religion or politics, anything can happen.

In recent years, the divides that have always existed among family and friends seem to have deepened. In many ways, we have lost the art of civil discourse. We find ourselves polarized by both religion and politics, with very little middle ground where reasonable dialogue can take place. And even when we do manage to have a conversation, we often discover that no one is really listening—they’re simply reloading for their next volley.

One person in our study group said she was praying that 10,000 angels would accompany her to the upcoming family gathering. Ten thousand angels? For what reason? To help her keep her mouth shut!

Another member mentioned that this is the time of year when they rely on the term E.G.R.—Extra Grace Required—and perhaps some extra wisdom as well.

As Christians entering the various arenas that the holidays expose us to, it might be good to remember the words of James in his New Testament epistle: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). And when we finally do open our mouths to speak, we would do well to remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Colossians 4:6). Finally, King Solomon reminds us that there is “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7).

Wisdom and discretion are essential. When do I listen? When do I speak? Am I to speak at all? And when I do, will my words be seasoned with grace?

Over the years, I have had to deal with individuals who wanted nothing more than a fight. It may be wise to avoid such situations, following the words of one of the great philosophers of our age—Mr. Miyagi from the movie The Karate Kid—who said, “Danielsan, the best way to avoid a punch is not to be there when it is thrown.”

Clothed in the Spirit of Jesus, may you bring the Spirit of Grace to your Thanksgiving gathering.