Faith-Based Ways to Give Back This Thanksgiving

Faith is an integral part of the Thanksgiving celebration. It’s deeper than surrounding yourself with family and friends and enjoying a holiday meal. It’s about gratitude and service. This season is a time to reflect on God’s many blessings and consider how you can share His love with others.

Throughout Scripture, Christians are encouraged to be givers. Luke 6:38 says, “Give and it shall be given unto you.” So, after the turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and desserts have been put away, it’s time to give back by showing kindness to others. You don’t need deep pockets or an elaborate plan. All you need is kindness and a grateful heart. Here are some ways to show generosity this Thanksgiving season.

Feed the Hungry

In every community, some are underprivileged and in need of support. Local charities, such as the Red Cross and Goodwill, are excellent places to donate food, clothing, or warm items for those in need. You could volunteer at a homeless shelter to serve meals, assist with cooking, or help with cleaning.

Help make the day special for those in need. Your smile and thoughtfulness can be just what someone needs to inspire hope this Thanksgiving.

Sponsor a Family

During the Thanksgiving season, charities and churches often sponsor Adopt-a-Family programs. Show kindness by helping a family with groceries or preparing a meal for them. You can give in other ways, such as providing gift cards, clothing, decorations, or gifts. Your generosity can cheer a family that has been facing hardship for a while.

Support a Food Bank

You can assist many families this Thanksgiving by donating non-perishable food items to a food bank. If you shop in bulk, you can support multiple homes in need. Often, food banks buy items at a discount and use leftover funds to buy dairy products or fresh produce. You can contribute to that.

Making a small monetary donation can go further than you think in blessing others. Your seeds of faith will be multiplied back to you in many ways.

Visit a Nursing Home

Many residents at care facilities or nursing homes won’t have any visitors this Thanksgiving. Taking time out to make them feel special by sitting with them, talking, watching a movie, or playing cards can make them feel seen and appreciated.

Listen to their stories while lifting their spirits and helping to alleviate loneliness. Surprise them with a gift, and encourage them by sharing God’s love. Jesus said that whatever you do for the least of them, you do unto Me

Invite Someone to Thanksgiving Dinner

There may be a co-worker, church member, friend, or neighbor who’s not near family for whatever reason. You could invite them to your home for Thanksgiving dinner. Let them join you in a family activity such as watching a football game or movie.

They could help bake cookies or participate in a family holiday tradition. Your thoughtfulness can brighten someone’s holiday. Rather than feeling lonely, they’ll feel joy. A simple kindness can inspire others to pay it forward when it’s their turn.

Help a Neighbor in Need

If you look around your neighborhood, there might be a disabled or elderly person who needs help with yard work, grocery shopping, or raking leaves. Your kind acts will show them their community has concerned people who’re willing to help, and they’re not alone. 1 John 3:18 says to “let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

Conclusion

Let this Thanksgiving be about more than eating a great meal and catching up with family. Show your gratitude for the abundant blessings God has given you by helping those in need. Give support to those who really need it this holiday season. Remember, you are the hands and feet of Jesus, who said it’s more blessed to give than to receive.