As we enter into November, we begin a full season of election signs and Thanksgiving. I guess it’s no coincidence that election season and Thanksgiving season are the same season. I mean, what other time do you have to sit around a table with people you didn’t exactly choose, smile through wildly different opinions and topics, and quietly wonder who’s going to bring up something from the election first? In my best Statesman Quartet voice, “oh my Lord, what a time; Mm, mmm.”
None the less, the election is on the horizon and Thanksgiving comes shortly behind. So, how can our gratitude drive our togetherness as we begin this season? In the New Testament, Paul’s letters to the early churches consistently encourage both gratitude and unity. Wonder if he wrote these letters in November? I’m kidding, of course, but let’s take a look at one verse in particular.
In Colossians 3:15, Paul instructs believers, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” In this verse, Paul links thanksgiving with peace and unity. When we’re grateful, it’s easier to live in harmony, setting aside differences and focusing on what we share as believers—our faith in Christ. This message can be daunting, however, when unity and gratitude can sometimes feel challenging.
As parents, we have a unique opportunity to disciple our children by blending these ideas and showing our children how to live with gratitude and peace even amidst differences. Here are some ways to bring these lessons into your home during the election and Thanksgiving season:
- Model Respectful Conversations – Show kids how to listen and respond kindly to different opinions. This teaches them to “love our neighbors as ourselves” (Mark 12:31). Be the example.
- Practice Gratitude for Leaders – Pray together as a home for our leaders, reinforcing humility and gratitude for those who serve, regardless of political views (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
- Teach Constructive Dialogue – Encourage active listening and thoughtful responses when politics come up, practicing James 1:19’s call to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
- Focus on Serving Others – Engage in a Thanksgiving service project, connecting it to the season’s call for selfless service (Matthew 20:28).
This season, let’s guide our children to see gratitude and unity as foundations for peace, helping them learn that, in times of agreement and differing opinions, they are called to a greater unity in Christ as they follow our lead.
So Will I 