Halloween and trick-or-treating bring up questions for many Christians. While the Bible doesn’t specifically address modern customs like trick-or-treating, it does give principles for discerning how we engage with cultural practices. Scripture encourages believers to be wise, mindful of how their actions reflect their faith, and to focus on honoring God in all they do.
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What Does The Bible Say About Trick Or Treating
1. Deuteronomy 18:9-12
“When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.”
This verse cautions against participating in practices associated with witchcraft, sorcery, and the occult. Trick or treating, with its origins in pagan rituals, can be seen as a modern manifestation of these traditions. As Christians, we are called to avoid participating in activities that go against God’s commands and compromise our faith.
By refraining from trick or treating, we set ourselves apart from the practices of the world and uphold our commitment to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
2. Ephesians 5:11
“Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”
This verse encourages believers to distance themselves from activities that promote darkness and evil. While trick or treating may seem innocent on the surface, its association with Halloween, a holiday rooted in pagan and occult beliefs, raises concerns about its alignment with biblical values.
As Christians, we are called to shine the light of Christ and expose the works of darkness. By abstaining from trick or treating, we demonstrate our commitment to living according to God’s Word and striving for holiness.
3. 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse reminds us that everything we do should be done with the intention of bringing glory to God. While trick or treating may seem harmless, it is essential to evaluate whether our participation aligns with this principle.
Instead of engaging in activities associated with Halloween, we can seek ways to honor God and reflect His love during this time. This may involve participating in alternative events, focusing on fellowship with other believers, or using the opportunity to share the message of salvation.
4. Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This passage lists various sinful behaviors, including witchcraft, that are contrary to the Christian way of life. While trick or treating may not involve all the mentioned acts, its association with Halloween, which often glorifies darkness and supernatural elements, raises concerns regarding its alignment with God’s will.
As Christians striving to live according to God’s standards, we should evaluate our participation in activities that may foster a fascination with the occult or lead us away from the path of righteousness.
5. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
This passage urges believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers and to separate themselves from anything that is impure or ungodly. Halloween, and by extension trick or treating, often involves participation with those who do not hold a Christian worldview.
By refraining from trick or treating, we make a statement about our commitment to live in accordance with God’s Word and our desire to avoid compromising our faith by engaging in activities that may lead us away from Him.
6. 1 John 2:15-17
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
This passage warns against loving the things of the world and emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly desires. While trick or treating may seem like a harmless and enjoyable activity, it is crucial to evaluate whether our participation reflects a love for God or a desire to conform to worldly customs.
By choosing to prioritize our love for the Father over worldly indulgences, we demonstrate our commitment to living a life that aligns with His will.
7. Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse encourages believers to avoid conforming to the world’s patterns and instead pursue transformation through the renewing of their minds. As Christians, we are called to continually evaluate our actions and align them with God’s will rather than the customs of the world.
In the context of trick or treating, it is important to assess whether our participation aligns with God’s perfect will for our lives. By choosing not to conform to the world’s patterns, we open ourselves up to a deeper understanding of God’s desires for us.
8. Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
This verse warns against being deceived by empty and deceptive philosophies that are rooted in human tradition rather than Christ. Trick or treating, with its origins in pagan rituals and cultural practices, can be seen as a human tradition that lacks a foundation in Christ.
As Christians, we should be mindful of the influences that shape our actions and ensure that our choices are based on a Christ-centered foundation rather than empty cultural practices.
9. Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This proverb encourages believers to choose their companions wisely, as our associations can have a significant impact on our spiritual well-being. Trick or treating often involves interaction with individuals who may not hold a Christian worldview or engage in activities that align with God’s Word.
By refraining from participating in trick or treating, we make a deliberate choice to surround ourselves with individuals who share our commitment to living according to God’s wisdom.
10. Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This verse encourages believers to focus their thoughts on things that are true, noble, pure, lovely, and admirable. As Christians, our actions should align with the values promoted by Scripture and bring glory to God.
By considering the principles behind trick or treating and evaluating whether they reflect what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, we can make an informed decision about our participation in such activities.
11. 1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
This verse reminds believers of their identity as God’s chosen people, called to live as a holy nation and reflect His glory. In a world that often celebrates darkness and the occult, trick or treating can be seen as a participation in activities that contradict this identity.
By choosing not to engage in such activities, we affirm our status as God’s special possession and embrace the call to declare His praises to a world in need of His wonderful light.
12. Psalm 1:1-2
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
This psalm highlights the blessings bestowed upon those who avoid the path of the wicked and delight in God’s law. Trick or treating can potentially lead us into the company of those who embrace worldly customs and mock biblical principles.
By choosing not to participate in trick or treating, we deliberately align ourselves with the delight of God’s law, finding joy in meditating on it day and night.
13. 1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from every form of evil.”
This verse exhorts believers to abstain from every form of evil. While trick or treating may not be explicitly evil, its historical association with pagan and occult rituals raises concerns about its alignment with biblical values.
By choosing to abstain from activities that may potentially lead us astray from God’s path, we demonstrate our commitment to living lives set apart for His purposes.
14. Romans 14:13
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
This verse encourages believers to refrain from passing judgment on one another and to avoid placing stumbling blocks in the path of their fellow believers. Trick or treating, with its varying perspectives within the Christian community, can be a divisive issue.
By choosing to forego trick or treating, we demonstrate love and respect for our brothers and sisters in Christ who may have concerns or convictions regarding its appropriateness. We strive to create an environment that fosters unity and allows everyone to walk firmly in their faith.
15. Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This verse emphasizes the inability to serve God and worldly desires simultaneously. Trick or treating, driven by materialistic motivations such as collecting candy, can potentially divert our focus from serving and loving God wholeheartedly.
By choosing to prioritize our devotion to God over worldly pursuits, we align ourselves with His will and recognize that seeking fulfillment in Him alone brings true joy and satisfaction.
16. Psalm 119:37
“Turn my eyes from worthless things and give me life through your word.”
This verse acknowledges the need for God’s Word to redirect our attention from worthless pursuits and illuminate the path to true life. Trick or treating, although enjoyable for some, may be considered a relatively trivial and temporary activity.
By shifting our focus to the eternal truths found in God’s Word, we are reminded of the depth and significance that a life centered around Him holds.
17. Proverbs 1:10
“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.”
This proverb warns against succumbing to the influence of sinful men. Trick or treating, with its potential associations with individuals who engage in occult practices or embrace worldly values, can present a similar enticement.
By choosing not to participate in trick or treating, we affirm our commitment to honoring God and resisting the temptations that may come from engaging in activities that compromise our faith.
18. 1 Timothy 4:7
“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”
This passage advises believers to distance themselves from godless myths and instead invest in training themselves to be godly. Trick or treating, with its roots in pagan and occult traditions, can be seen as engaging with godless myths.
By redirecting our attention towards spiritual growth and cultivating godliness, we prioritize our commitment to aligning with God’s truth rather than participating in activities that may lead us astray.
19. Psalm 26:4-5
“I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. I detest the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.”
This psalm expresses a strong aversion to sitting with the deceitful, associating with hypocrites, and joining the assembly of evildoers. Trick or treating can potentially involve interaction with individuals who do not uphold Christian values.
By choosing not to participate in trick or treating, we align ourselves with the psalmist’s determination to have no fellowship with those who walk in darkness and instead seek to live in the light of Christ.
20. Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
This proverb highlights the importance of raising children in accordance with God’s ways. As parents or guardians, our decision to allow or discourage trick or treating can significantly impact the spiritual development of our children.
By intentionally guiding our children towards activities that reflect biblical values and align with God’s Word, we set them on a path that will lead to a lasting commitment to following Him.
21. Psalm 101:3
“I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.”
This psalm expresses a determination to avoid approving or participating in anything vile or faithless. Trick or treating, with its association with pagan and occult practices, may conflict with this commitment.
By choosing not to participate in activities that compromise our integrity and go against God’s standards, we affirm our desire to live with integrity and uphold His truths.
22. 1 Corinthians 8:9
“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
This verse advises believers to exercise caution and avoid becoming a stumbling block to others, particularly those whose faith may be weaker or more susceptible to temptation. Participating in trick or treating, which has varying perspectives within the Christian community, can lead to divided opinions and potential stumbling blocks.
By choosing not to engage in activities that may hinder the faith of others or cause unnecessary division, we demonstrate sensitivity and love towards our fellow believers.
23. 1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
This passage reminds believers of the need to be vigilant and not give the devil an opportunity to exploit our weaknesses. Trick or treating, with its potential associations with darkness and the supernatural, can be an avenue through which the enemy seeks to deceive and lead us astray.
By choosing to be alert and of sober mind, we guard ourselves against the enemy’s schemes and strive to live in a manner that honors and glorifies God.
24. 2 John 1:10-11
“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.”
This passage urges believers to exercise discernment and avoid welcoming those who bring teachings that contradict the truth of God’s Word. Trick or treating, rooted in pagan and occult practices, may involve interactions with individuals whose beliefs do not align with biblical teachings.
By choosing not to participate in trick or treating, we manifest our commitment to standing firm in the truth of God’s Word and refraining from endorsing or supporting beliefs that contradict it.
25. 1 John 3:8
“The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”
This verse highlights the purpose of Christ’s appearance on earth—to destroy the works of the devil. Trick or treating, with its associations with occult practices rooted in the enemy’s domain, can inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of these works.
By choosing not to participate in activities that indirectly support or align with the devil’s work, we align our lives with the mission of Christ and His desire to bring redemption and freedom from the enemy’s influence.
In conclusion, trick or treating is a topic that raises considerations regarding biblical values, associations with pagan and occult practices, personal convictions, and the impact on spiritual growth and the testimony of believers. While each individual’s perspective may differ, it is essential to prayerfully consider these verses and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in making an informed decision that aligns with God’s will and brings honor to Him. Ultimately, the decision to participate or abstain from trick or treating should be motivated by a desire to uphold biblical principles, prioritize spiritual growth, and reflect the love and light of Christ in our actions.