Matthew 20:28

Grace and peace be with you right now friend! There’s something uniquely heartwarming about Thanksgiving, isn’t there? The aroma of turkey roasting, the hum of family chatter, and the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds of autumn leaves. It’s a day where gratitude takes center stage. But as believers, children of God, Thanksgiving invites us into something deeper than pie and football—it’s a call to give of ourselves in the spirit of Christ-like love.

more than the table spread

The essence of Thanksgiving isn’t just about full plates; it’s about full hearts. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 20:28 that He “did not come to be served, but to serve.” What better way to honor this truth than to extend our hands and hearts to others?

Giving of yourself can look like:

Time: Sitting down with someone who’s lonely, listening to their story, and simply being present.
Resources: Sharing your meal, groceries, or financial blessings with a family in need.
Energy: Offering to help with meal prep, clean-up, or organizing a community event.

When we step out of our comfort zones to serve, we reflect the very heart of Jesus, who gave His all for us.

the power of small acts

Sometimes, we think giving has to be extravagant, but God can use even the smallest acts to make a huge impact. Remember the boy with the five loaves and two fish? His simple offering became a feast for thousands (John 6:1-14).

This Thanksgiving, let your giving be intentional, even if it feels small:

Write a heartfelt note to a family member.
Volunteer at a shelter or church event.
Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and share your gratitude for them.

breaking bread, building bonds

When we gather for Thanksgiving, it’s more than a meal—it’s an opportunity to strengthen relationships and create memories. What if, instead of focusing on impressing others with the perfect table setting, we focus on creating a space where everyone feels seen, loved, and valued?

Start your Thanksgiving meal with a moment of prayer and reflection, thanking God for His provision and asking how He might use you to be a blessing to those around you.

the joy of sacrificial giving

Giving of yourself can feel sacrificial, but the joy it brings far outweighs the cost. In giving, we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. His gift of salvation is the reason we can live and give abundantly (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

This Thanksgiving, challenge yourself to give in a way that stretches your faith and blesses someone else. You might be surprised to find your own heart filled to overflowing in the process.

a thanksgiving to remember

Let’s make this Thanksgiving more than just a holiday. Let’s make it a holy day—a day where we mirror the love of Christ by giving freely, joyfully, and generously.

And as you pass the stuffing, the cranberry sauce, and the mashed potatoes, remember this: the most important thing you can pass on is the love of Jesus. That’s a gift worth sharing every single day of the year.

So grab that extra chair, prepare that extra plate, and give of yourself in a way that makes this Thanksgiving unforgettable—for you and those around you. Amen!

in harmony,

nancy

Pulse Check:

Imagine 10 years from now: what kind of giver do you want to be remembered as? Spend some time dreaming about how you can live in alignment with that vision starting now, and write down one long-term goal to cultivate a lifestyle of giving.

offer