The origins of Thanksgiving predate the birth of our nation. It began with festivals celebrated by Native Americans. George Washington called for a public day of thanksgiving and prayer on Thursday, November 26, 1789. President Lincoln called for an annual Thanksgiving celebration in 1863.

Today, for many people, Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy a hearty meal, watch a football game, and visit extended family. Sometimes we go straight from Halloween to Christmas with little mention of Thanksgiving. Should Thanksgiving be a day of worship? Would it be a good tradition for each person to give a thank you note for something specific?

Have you heard that many people unhappy with the outcome of the presidential election will cancel Thanksgiving gatherings or disinvite loved ones with whom they disagree politically?

People are easily divided on many different issues. In 1992, an Oprah Winfrey episode featured Jane Elliot’s experience focusing on racism. They discriminated against blue-eyed spectators while showing favoritism towards brown-eyed people. Ignoring the context, the callers reported observing significant differences between people based on eye color. People are easily motivated to discriminate against others.

Despite what even some famous evangelical pastors say, it is not acceptable to hate the president. We need to pray for our leaders, and whether or not that person is someone we support makes no difference. We need to be careful not to lump everyone who voted a certain way into a group that is socially acceptable to discriminate against.

1 Timothy chapter 2:1-2: “Above all, therefore, I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings, and for all those who hold office. raised, so that we can lead a peaceful society and a quiet life. »

It is not easy to hate someone you pray for. We must focus on core values ​​if we want unity in our families, churches, or schools. Unity occurs when people focus on what they have in common rather than where they disagree.

There is no reason to deny communion to family members because of political differences, unless you are a member of a sect. Banning interactions between people who disagree is sectarian behavior. It’s good to step out of our echo chamber to consider other perspectives.

We need to get back to the purpose of Thanksgiving. It’s about praising God for everything we enjoy in life. Are you grateful to be healthy? Did you know that in the United States, even the poorest among us are better off than most people in the world? It’s no wonder that many law-abiding immigrants have been waiting 10 years or more for their citizenship.