The Purpose of Eating Together « Hospitality « Homemaking « Teaching Good Things

The Purpose of Eating Together

November 25, 2008

When you share a meal with someone, whether it be a gourmet seven-course meal or a burger and fries, it intensifies your relationship.

Eating together binds hearts.

As often as possible a family should eat at least one meal together each day. Sitting at the table together over a meal seems to connect us in a way that doesn't happen in any other situation. This is my favorite time of day, not so much because of the food, but because of the conversation and laughter.

I know many families do not have a meal together on a daily basis for one reason or another. This is sad. What is sadder is the family that is all at home and everyone goes to their own room, or TV/computer screen to eat, missing out on communing with each other about the day's events.

When people share from the same loaf of bread, the same roast, or the same pot of soup it connects them in a way that is hard to explain. This is why it is so important to gather and share a meal with extended family often!

Eating together expresses that we belong together!

This is also why churches are so big on fellowship meals, not for the wide variety of casseroles, but because it binds hearts, it helps build relationships!The church family is an extended family and sometimes we are even closer to our church family than we are to biological family because we share common religious convictions (and Jesus).

If you don't have a church family, find one! ) Jesus told us not to forsake the fellowship with other Believers. Fellowship and feasting is such an important aspect of living a victorious life.

Jesus commanded us to break bread together in worship as a symbol of his body and blood. When we do this we are communing with Him; we are fed and refreshed!

In Greek the words "fellowship" and "breaking bread" are activities that are usually joined together.

When eating, whether with a crowd or alone, don't be ashamed to give thanks and remember Him. Remember it is He that truly nourishes us.

Heaven is often referred to as a great banquet. Isn't that just glorious?! We will be dining with the the Saints of all time. We will be feasting and sitting at the table with Jesus himself! Because we BELONG there! Feasting and fellowship are part of our life in Christ not only when we reach heaven, but also while we pilgrim through this earthly life!

So when you sit at your Thanksgiving table this week, look around you, smile at each person, give a word of thanks to each person. Sincerely pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God, and PROCLAIM HIS GOODNESS to all around you!

P.S.

I don't know of a family that does not have at least ONE strained relationship or a difficult person at their table, especially for the holidays. Use this opportunity to abide in the Spirit and grant much mercy and grace!Life is short, they may not be at the table next year.