The holiday season brings gatherings that can fill our hearts or test our responses. As homemakers and nurturers, we often bear the weight of maintaining peace, preparing meals, and setting the tone. But sometimes, the tension beneath the surface, the unspoken words, the weariness, and the misunderstood intentions can steal our joy. This week, let’s talk about expressing grace: grace at the table, grace in our hearts, and grace for one another.
“As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” Romans 12:18
Healthy relationships are part of God's plan for life; however, strained relationships left unaddressed can cause serious health issues. People we avoid throughout the year may be attending the same holiday gatherings as we are, so it’s time to prepare our hearts for those encounters.
Grace Begins with Gratitude
Expressing gratitude softens our hearts. When we thank God for our family members, even the difficult members, it changes how we see them. For years, my prayer has been for the Lord to help me love my children's spouses, because I know my attitude towards their spouses will affect my relationship with my child.
Before gatherings, take a few minutes to pray for each person by name. Ask God to give you eyes of compassion and understanding. When your heart is grateful for the positive things, grace flows more easily.
Managing Emotions at Family Gatherings
The holidays often highlight our differences, political, generational, or personal. We can’t control others, but we can control our response. James 1:19 reminds us to be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Sometimes silence is the most graceful answer. Since this is an event focused on gratitude to the Lord, choose peace over proving a point.
If there’s something we’ve said or done to cause the strained relationship, now is a good time to reconcile things before the gathering, as Matthew 5:23-24 instructs us. There’s nothing more freeing than clearing hearts and minds.
Sometimes silence is the most graceful answer. Since this is an event focused on gratitude to the Lord, choose peace over proving a point.
Remember, the focus of the holiday is gratitude to the Lord. Not what others have or haven’t done. Keeping Christ as the center of the event keeps the focus off of others.
Creating an Atmosphere of Peace
A peaceful home starts with a calm heart. As you prepare your gathering table, invite God’s presence into your space. Prepare your diffuser with bioactive essential oils, such as lavender, frankincense, or orange, for a sense of calm and joy. Play soft worship music in the background. A peaceful environment softens hearts before any words are spoken.
Healing Through Connection
Grace at the table isn’t just about avoiding conflict; it’s about nurturing a connection that can lead to meaningful restorative conversations later on. Purpose to find some common ground to share laughter and tell stories on. Healing relationships is more important than a perfectly folded napkin ever could be.
Holiday gatherings with strained relationships are delicate matters that should be handled with grace, gratitude, and prayer, in the hope that someday God will bring about victory. Let our words bring peace, and our homes reflect the love of Christ.
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