getting along during the holidays

‘Tis the season to splurge, right? From our favorite Holiday foods and lattes to decorations and shopping, there are certainly temptations to live more lavishly than normal. And if you’re like me, it’s easy to justify our excesses as we vow to do better starting in January.

But there are a few extravagances in which we should indulge, especially during this season of thankfulness and giving. What if we indulge in:

Relishing God’s abundant love and mercy toward us.

Forgiving and offering grace toward everyone we encounter.

Seeking His peace, wisdom, and strength.

Loving others in word and deed.

Praising God for who He is and all He does.

Sharing a smile or a hug.

Listening well and building a bridge of understanding.

A great list of indulgences, wouldn’t you agree? There are a few items that would be best to restrict from our diets during this time of year. Here’s my recommendation of habits to curb:

Grumbling

Gossiping

Anger

Bitterness

Let’s choose to make it a joyful Holiday Season, not because of the outward fluff of food, gifts, and decorations, but rather the inward qualities of a Christlike spirit. Let’s indulge ourselves in Him.

In Him we have redemption through His blood,

the forgiveness of sins,

in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

that he lavished on us.

Ephesians 1:7

Photo by Diliara Garifullina on Unsplash

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The holidays are a time of cheer and joy as we gather around the table and enjoy festive food and delightful fellowship – right? At least that’s the way it looks on Instagram, but the reality is that sometimes the holidays can be hard. There may be strained relationships and different ways of viewing life, politics and God. So how do you make it through both Thanksgiving and Christmas with more love and less tension?

Recently, I read the following passage from the apostle Peter. Although written many years ago, these words seem to be a wonderful antidote to some of the rough spots in relationships. Think about how you can apply these words.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Just think if we followed these few positive principles penned by Peter. Simply put:

Love deeply
Offer hospitality without grumbling
Use your gifts to serve others

I love how Peter calls us “faithful stewards of God’s grace.” That’s what we should be! We ought to be conduits of His love and grace with every person we encounter, whether it is the person next to us in line or the person sitting next to us at the dinner table. Since we have received God’s grace, then by the power of His Spirit within us, we can freely reflect His grace toward others.

God is glorified when we practice these things. Ultimately isn’t that what the holidays are about anyway? It’s not about us, rather it’s about celebrating the goodness of God and glorifying Him. Our fervent love for one another shines the light on Him and the powerful, grace-filled work He has done in our lives. May this season be filled with forgiveness, grace and love as we honor Him in what we say and do!

Want to share a holiday gift that focuses on God and His glorious attributes? Check out this month’s $5 special, Pursuing God in the Quiet Places. Limit 10 per household. Click Here for more info.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash