“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

No Fear

Walk His Way Revisited

Each year at harvest time, the Halloween question comes up. Should Christians participate in a now-pagan holiday? A little history may clarify the issue—or it may muddy it even further. According to Wikipedia, the observance began as a day to remember those who had died, including saints (“hallows”), and all the faithful departed believers. The traditional focus of the day was on using humor and ridicule to confront the power of death, and to celebrate the harvest. Evidence can easily be found for other interpretations of its beginnings. Now, of course, in many cultures the world and Satan have perverted the day to represent evil and witchcraft.

I cannot speak for others, but as for me and my house, we choose to celebrate October 31. Why? God is the Creator and created all 365 days of our calendar and so I will not give the enemy even one of them. Satan cannot create, but merely pervert that which God has created.

How do we celebrate God when the world is focusing on evil? Here’s what my family does. We work out. We exercise the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

We gather with other believers. Whether that is only with members of our own family or with others, we praise God for creating our imaginations and the ability to make costumes. We declare God as the Lord of the harvest and the Creator of sugar by eating sweet treats (working hard to remember self-control).

Sometimes we sing and pray, but most of all we love. We love each other, we love fun, we love anyone whom God chooses to bring to our door or carnival style booth. We cast out fear by loving.

Your family may or may not embrace any sort of celebration on October 31. Whatever your choice, be sure you are not acting out of fear, because perfect love (God’s love) casts out fear.

Elohim, Creator of all, thank You for creating all the days on my calendar. Help me to show Your love to all you bring in my path today and every day. Amen.