The holiday season is a time meant to be full of joy and fun. It’s when we gather with friends and family, celebrate what God has given us (Thanksgiving), and rejoice because of who He’s given us (Christmas). But let’s be honest: Sometimes, the family and friends we hope to have fun with are challenging.
Let’s agree that this holiday season, we have all the grace we need to love everyone we encounter. After all, God is our grace, and in Him is all the grace we need. Grace is where salvation, healing and miracles come from (Exodus 34:6; Acts 15:11, 14:3). Grace is what we need when we minister to others and want to show people His love. To walk in the grace of God, we need to honor the grace of God.
Here are three steps to help you honor God’s grace this holiday season:
1. Spend Time Praising Him
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV)
Imagine what praising God can do in the middle of a disagreement when you turn heavenward and flood the atmosphere with thanksgiving!
Better yet, what if you spend time praising Him as a family? Whether you’re in your living room, preparing turkey in the kitchen, or gathering with family and friends around the table, spend some time praising Him. Praise and thanksgiving invite God onto the scene to release His spiritual power into your midst, break the yoke of fear and bondage, and overcome strife.
Wherever you’ll be this season, lift your praises high. Praise the Lord that you’re saved, delivered, healed, and headed for heaven. Praise Him as your Creator, Restorer, Friend, Counselor, Rescuer and Comforter. Take time to praise Him wholeheartedly. Then, watch as His power is released into your holidays this year.
2. Confess His Love
“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” —Ephesians 3:18-19
When you spend time praising and exalting God, you will be filled with His love and ready to bless others. As you walk in His love, encourage your family not to give in to disagreements this year. Instead, encourage everyone to focus on His grace, allowing Him to make it a joyful and fun time with one another. Remember, His love conquers everything. Reassure your family and friends that they can give their strife and any challenges they may face to the Lord. Lead them in prayer to forgive anyone who might have hurt them this year and show them how to fill those broken places with God’s love and Word (Ephesians 4:32).
Christians are so powerful when we walk in love. Determine to let the love of God shine through you over the holidays. Then, watch the devil and strife flee while the Lord renews relationships and peace among family and friends.
3. Confess Joy
“Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.” —Psalm 100:1-2
God wants this to be a wonderful and joyous time of the year for you. We’re not talking about the world’s definition of joy, that’s a temporary emotion or a fleeting feeling. We’re talking about real, devil-defeating biblical joy, the permanent spiritual force residing deep within the spirit of a believer. The more we fellowship with the Lord and give Him attention, the more this force rises inside us (John 16:22).
Even science proves the biblical truth of joy. Research has shown that depression, anger and stress cause disease; while a joyful heart lowers blood pressure, releases muscle tension, decreases stress hormones and boosts the immune system.
(Find out why laughter is so good for your health HERE.)
Our peace and strength come from joy, so let’s confess it this season. Start your celebration festivities with praise, prayer and love by confessing joy and peace over one another (Nehemiah 8:10; Proverbs 17:22).
As you spend time praising God, and confessing His love and joy, you will be honoring the grace of God this holiday season. If you’re looking for a gathering-worthy prayer for your family, try this one inspired from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:
Lord, we thank You and exalt You for this time together today. Help us walk in Your love as You are Love. Your Word says that love is patient and kind and does not envy or boast. Love is not arrogant or rude, irritable, or resentful. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. We speak Your love, peace and joy over our gathering today and declare that Your love never fails and will not fail us today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).