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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
Today is traditionally a time for gathering with family and friends. We often find ourselves kicking off the day with a turkey trot run and watching a parade followed by eating too much food and rooting for our favorite football teams. Some of us find time to serve in our community, bringing food to the less fortunate or serving a meal. One thing I bet all of us are doing is having conversations at the table we probably shouldn’t have.
We can all list the taboo topics of the table: politics, religion, money, marriage, friendly gossip. I mean, what better time to raise an issue than when we are all together! Cue the sarcasm. The aforementioned list is what NOT to talk about during your gathering. It has become too cultural to talk about what we talk about during the holidays.
Maybe your family has gotten smart and placed some boundaries around what to talk about. With religion on the taboo list, you may think this doesn’t help those of us trying to share the gospel with a family member we hope will want to know more about Jesus. Perhaps you have had your faith attacked during the holidays. You feel hopeless when it comes to sharing your love of Jesus with those around you.
Exodus 14:14 is one of my favorite bible verses:
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still (Exodus 14:14).
In these tense moments, your silence can show compassion. It is a choice not to allow yourself to engage in a discussion that doesn’t bring glory to God. Having the power in silence to know the Lord is fighting for you can compel even more compassion.
Instead of speaking, show great love to those around you by being present. Take interest in a conversation or maybe serve someone who has attacked your faith in the past. You are covered in the strength and mercy of the Lord.