Open Doors and Thankful Hearts – a way to celebrate Friendsgiving differently

The holiday season is in sight, and with it comes a time to express our gratitude for the people in our lives. Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving are around the corner, providing us with a perfect opportunity to open our homes and hearts to those around us.

The concept of Friendsgiving is a relatively new one, but it has quickly gained popularity. It’s a chance for friends to gather together and celebrate their bond, often before the official Thanksgiving holiday. For many, Friendsgiving is a gateway moment to introduce new people to their lives, including those who may not have a strong family support system or those who may be new to the area.

As Christians, we are called to be inclusive and to love others as ourselves. This is not just a suggestion; it is a command from God. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This means that we are called to open our homes and hearts to those around us, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Friendsgiving is a perfect opportunity to put this command into practice.

By inviting people to our homes, we are creating a space for them to feel loved and accepted. We are also giving them the opportunity to experience the love of Christ in our lives.

A heartfelt invitation to a Friendsgiving celebration can be a powerful way to extend Christ’s love. It’s an opportunity to share your faith through actions rather than just words. By opening your home, offering a warm meal, and embracing your guests with love, you are exemplifying the principles of Christianity. 1 Peter 4:9 states, “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling,” reminding us to extend our hospitality graciously and willingly.

A heartfelt invitation to a Friendsgiving celebration can be a powerful way to extend Christ’s love. It’s an opportunity to share your faith through actions rather than just words

But how do we make our Friendsgiving gatherings inclusive? Here are a few tips:

• Invite people from all walks of life. Don’t just limit your invitations to your close friends. Make an effort to invite people who you may not know very well, or who may be different from you.
• Make your home feel welcoming. Make sure your home is clean and tidy, and that there is plenty of seating for everyone. You may also want to consider having some activities or games on hand to help people break the ice.
• Be prepared to talk about your faith. If you are comfortable doing so, be prepared to share your faith with your guests. This doesn’t mean that you have to preach at them; simply be open and honest about your beliefs.
• Be a good listener. One of the best ways to show love to others is to listen to them. Take the time to hear about their lives, their struggles, and their joys. As friends gather around the table, discussions can go beyond the surface and touch upon deep and spiritual matters. This is a time to share stories of gratitude, testimonies of faith, and personal growth. Such discussions can be an inspiration for others and may plant seeds of curiosity about Christ.

By opening our homes and hearts to others, we are creating a space for them to experience the love of God in our lives.

Friendsgiving can be a powerful opportunity to introduce people to Christ. Friendsgiving is not just a moment to enjoy delicious food and great company; it’s a chance to create a bridge between the secular and the sacred, inviting people to experience Christ through our actions and conversations. By opening our homes and hearts to others, we are creating a space for them to experience the love of God in our lives.

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