7 Scriptures to Study as a Family During Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving because it is all about family and reflecting on the good things in life. Nothing is perfect during the day-to-day, and it is easy to get distracted by pain, difficulties, and minor or major inconveniences.

Thanksgiving is a great time to share what you are thankful for, your faith, God’s goodness, and how you are letting the Fruit of the Spirit guide your family life. So, while everyone is gathered around the dinner table eating food and playing games, be intentional and start some meaningful discussion that will fill your heart and stir your faith.

Here are seven scriptures to study as a family during Thanksgiving, with conversation starters on each subject.

1.  Study the Importance of the Fruit of the Spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. –Galatians 5:22-23

Only some people gathered around this holiday’s dinner table may know about the Fruit of the Spirit. Conversations about this topic can help expand our knowledge of living by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Conversation Starter: Talk about how the Holy Spirit is our helper given to us by Jesus when we accept Him in our hearts. Talk about the characteristics of natural fruit and how they grow, compare and contrast to the Fruit of the Spirit. When walking with the Holy Spirit, we will bear the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives, at home, and in our relationships.

2.  Discuss the Importance of Praise and Worship

Enter His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good, and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. –Psalm 100:4-5

Let’s be honest: only some people at your Thanksgiving dinner will be mentally, spiritually, or physically in a good place. This is a great opportunity to introduce Psalm 100:4-5 for discussion, even during your prayer before your meal.

Conversation Starter: This scripture is important for understanding God’s love and a reminder to lean on Him and His goodness when things are not going well. You could share this scripture at the dinner table and then go around the circle and ask everyone what they are praising God for right now.

3.  Talk About the Power of Prayer and Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This is a great verse to reflect on turning to God in all circumstances. On Thanksgiving, this is modeled through saying grace and gathering to celebrate as a family in all circumstances. Families need more moments to share and carry one another’s burdens. Prayer is a simple yet effective way of doing this.

Conversation Starter: Use this opportunity to ask your family what is difficult in their lives right now and how you can pray for them. You can do this individually or within the group and pray together as a family.

4.  Talk About How Being Grateful Will Guard Our Hearts and Mind

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:4-7

Gratitude is not about denying life’s trials but about shifting your perspective on those moments. While sharing this verse with your family, be sure to point out this truth; they may start practicing gratitude daily.

Conversation Starter: Ask everyone to share one thing that brings them joy despite what is happening in their lives. I’m sure everyone will have something valuable to share.

5.  Discuss the Power of Forgiveness

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all, these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since, as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful. –Colossians 3:12-15

All families have room to forgive each other and then forgive some more. I have personally struggled with unforgiveness regarding family. Forgiving others is nonnegotiable; as followers of Christ, we are not justified in harboring unforgiveness in our hearts.

Conversation Starter: Discuss what forgiveness is and isn’t. Mention that if they have hurt someone or someone has hurt them, forgiveness does not mean they automatically trust them again. Share this scripture and highlight the Fruit of the Spirit. Discuss how they can know when they’ve truly forgiven someone. Then, follow up with these questions: Does forgiveness happen overnight? Will they ever have to forgive that person again?

6.  Share the Truth About God’s Character

They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion for all He has made. –Psalm 145:7-9

It’s important to understand that God is compassionate toward His creation. Even after all we have done and continue to do, He is a forgiving, loving, patient, and compassionate God.

Conversations Starter: Ask your family if they have a relationship with God. If not, ask them why. Use this to identify the lies they believe about God and pray with them or share the truth about God. This is not an easy conversation, so you could also give a personal testimony while sharing this verse. Ask anyone else if they would like to share, too.

7.  Talk About How to Be a United as a Family

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. –Ephesians 4:2-3

Maneuvering through differences of opinions, political affiliations, and even religious differences is often a source of contention during family holiday gatherings. So, this is the perfect time to discuss how you would like to change that and gain insight into what your family thinks about this idea.

Conversation Starter: Discuss how unity does not necessarily mean we must agree on everything. Share how it is important to maintain respect and find common ground when united as a family. Share examples of how you have found unity with people you disagree with.

Holidays are difficult for most people. However, there is always room for growth and taking time to share your faith with the ones you love. Life is hard, but there is always something to be grateful for.