The First Thanksgiving

By Debbie Wuthnow

The First Thanksgiving

As we commemorate the 400th anniversary of what has come to be known as the first Thanksgiving, do you find yourself struggling to be hopeful about the future of our country?

Hardship and loss have affected so many. Conflict and strife abound as well. Look no further than the great division that often occurs over political differences at Thanksgiving and other family gatherings.

However, when we consider the example of the Pilgrims, I believe we can draw inspiration for giving thanks to God and being a blessing to our country, even in the midst of trying circumstances.

The first Thanksgiving was born out of great difficulty and loss. In total, 102 Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth in November of 1620. By the time of the autumn harvest in 1621, only 53 were living. Disease had taken its toll. All but four married women had passed away during the winter or spring.

In addition, they faced potential for conflict at every turn. The band that traveled on the Mayflower consisted of both Pilgrim Separatists (whose beliefs and practices differed from the Anglican Church) and Strangers (who were Anglicans themselves). Also, numerous differences existed between the colonists and the native Wampanoag people. These differences in religious beliefs, culture, language, and ethnicity could have resulted in division and hostility, and the fledgling colony’s failure.

Despite these odds, Pilgrims, Strangers, and Wampanoags united for a time of shared celebration of the bounty resulting from God’s blessing. What was a key factor in enabling this joyous event, which we are still commemorating 400 years later?

The answer lies in the Pilgrims’ blueprint for survival—their biblical principles.

The motivating factor behind the Pilgrims’ journey to New England and their endurance of hardship was faith in God. This is well documented by their second governor, William Bradford:

“[T]heir desires were set on the ways of God and to enjoy His ordinances . . . they rested on His providence, and knew Whom they had believed.”

That foundation of faith gave rise to morality—faith lived out according to the Bible, which promoted societal flourishing. We see this morality evidenced in the Pilgrims’ treatment of the Native Americans. The Pilgrims paid the Wampanoags for the land they settled on . . . even though that land was vacant, belonging to a tribe that had perished due to a plague years before.

This morality was also reflected in their government. The Pilgrims established the rule of law through the Mayflower Compact—the first written constitution in the future United States. It was also the first governmental contract between fellow individuals, rather than between a king and his subjects. Notably, their first governor was elected rather than appointed. They also established the longest-lasting treaty between Native Americans and Europeans in our history. Everyone is equal under God’s law, and the treaty reflected this equal status. It was honored for 55 years.

Built on a foundation of faith, these principles of morality and just law combined to produce liberty. True liberty rejects anarchy and defeats tyranny, ultimately giving rise to peace. These biblical principles enabled the entire community to live at peace with each other and with their Wampanoag neighbors.

These same principles are key to restoring our nation today.

Not everyone at the Thanksgiving dinner table—or in our country—shares our values. However, we still have a duty to uphold them out of obedience to God and love for our neighbors. The example of the Pilgrims inspires us to hold on to true faith in God, who, through the Holy Spirit, produces godly actions in us that bless our community.

Four centuries later, may the Pilgrims’ faith in the midst of incredible trials drive us to our knees in thankfulness, and spur us on to live out that same faith, to the glory of God and the blessing of our nation.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” - Psalm 107:1-2

Get Reminders

Whether it's important news, voting dates, or election reminders, iVoterGuide equips you to make an impact and a real difference in every election.
Join Now

See your voter guide

Spread the Word

You are the greatest influencer in politics today.
Share on social media.

Article
Archives

Happy Thanksgiving!
God’s Perspective on Election Results
What Comes Next?
Understanding the News About Israel
What’s Best for the Child?
Types of Economic Systems
Types of Government
Why a Republic?
Can YOU Pass Our Citizenship Quiz?
What the Bible says about: Marriage and Family
Become a Biblical Citizen!
Debate Watch Checklist
Now's the Time to Register to Vote!
Voting is Great, but I Want to do More!
Will Artificial Intelligence Influence Your Vote?
What is a Fiscal Conservative?
NEW Improvements to Your Voter Guide!
Remember. Celebrate. Engage!
2023 School Board Elections
How to Contact Congress
What the Bible Says About: Religious Liberty
What the Bible Says About: Government Spending
Memorial Day 2023
What the Bible Says About: Parental Rights
National Day of Prayer 2023
Can One Person Make a Difference?
Way Maker
How Does Your State Legislature Work?
The Speaker’s Battle: What Was Gained?
How Much Power Does the Speaker Have?
Timeless Advice from a Model President
Importance of Special Elections
How Did iVoterGuide Begin?
Is There A Wall of Separation Between Church and State?
Join Us in Actively Praying for 2023
The Second Most Important Thing…
Thank You for Your Feedback!
"The Government Shall be Upon His Shoulder"
The Conservative Current
Ranked Choices and Lost Voices
What is Ranked Choice Voting?
"Duty is Ours; Results are God’s"
Join me in Petitioning God on Behalf of Our Country
Ballot Measures: What Does That Mean?
Your Freedom is Under Attack
Decoding the Left's Lies
Why Vote?
Does One Vote Matter?
Saving the Constitution
The Elephant/Donkey in the Room
Do More Than Vote
Updated Candidate Questions for Today's Issues
Take Advantage of our Candidate Questionnaires
Understanding Candidate Profiles
Judicial Candidate Evaluations
Answered Prayers
The Importance of Primary Elections
Pray for Our Country
Tribute to Richard Ford
Tools to Help You Reach Your Neighbors
Protect Our Children
Free Church Outreach Materials
What Candidate Ratings Really Mean
Importance of Panelists
The Blessings of Religious Liberty
Lessons from a Day of Infamy
A Bold Response
The First Thanksgiving
Debunking the Left’s Arguments on Abortion
How Does Redistricting Affect You?
State Powers vs. Federal Powers
Life or Death Voting
Dobbs vs Jackson
The Importance of Worldview
Pray for the Supreme Court
Why Do We Do What We Do?
20 Years Ago
Take Courage
Separation of Powers
Immigration Issues and the Bible
Supreme Court Victories
When Justice Goes Packing
Who's Winning?
The Flag is Under Attack
Five Ways to Spot Fake "Facts"
What Is the Filibuster and How Does It Work?
Saving Our Kids From CSE
Presidential Power vs. The People
School Board 101
Toward a Nation That is Good and Free
Political Parties: What Do They Stand For?
How and Why We Partner
Election Ripple Effect