The Thanksgiving Menu

The perfect Thanksgivings we see on commercials and our actual Thanksgiving experiences are more than likely two very different things. More often than not, there is an element of heavy to our gatherings. We all have different opinions, experiences, and hurts. At times, this can spill over into our relationships. The truth is, we are all imperfect sinners. Our only hope is the hope we have in Jesus’s death on the cross in our place.

As we plan the menu and the grocery list, we must also remember to seek the Lord and “armor” up in preparation.  According to Ephesians 6:11-12 we are to, “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Don’t misplace your focus. Your battle is not with your family and friends but against the “dark world” and “spiritual forces of evil”. Therefore, you will need the “full armor of God”: the “belt of truth”, the “breastplate of righteousness”, our “feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”, the “shield of faith”, the helmet of “salvation” and the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:14-17).

Please note, none of this armor is something you can do for yourself. They are all things God provides. He is the source of everything we need. It is through him we are able to “love one another” (John 13:34).

As a first priority, the Thanksgiving menu should be gospel-centered as his is a “gospel of peace”.  Evidence of the gospel looks like this:

·      Love – Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

·      Joy – You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)

·      Peace – You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

·      Patience – A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11)

·      Kindness – Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

·      Goodness – Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

·      Faithfulness – My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness, I have set my heart on your laws. (Psalm 119:28-30)

·      Gentleness – to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always gentle toward everyone. (Titus 3:2)

·      Self-control – My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19)

·      Forgiveness – Bear with one another and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)

May your Thanksgiving be filled with grace and peace in abundance! 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5::22