Christians Arguing Over Halloween :(

I recently participated in a conversation on FB about whether or not Christians should celebrate Halloween. After much prayer, research of the origins of Halloween, research of what it means today to witches and pagan, and most of all confirmation from God's Word, my husband and I decided that we would not have our family participate in the celebration of Halloween. This is our choice. (For more on the research I've done on Halloween and what I have to say about the question, 'Should Christians celebrate Halloween?' follow this link http://consecratedtohim.blogspot.com/2009/10/should-christians-celebrate-halloween.html . Here are also some conversations on the subject from WeUsed2bu Ministries - http://www.weusedtobeyou.com/category/common-subjects/halloween/)

The debate on FB got offensive. I saw other Christians verbally attack and insult one another because they had different view points on whether we as believers should celebrate Halloween. At one point one honest sister shared that she questioned if her Christian friends and even the ministry that posted the original comment were truly Christians. This broke my heart. The founder of the ministry that posted the thread is a beautiful woman of God. She loves the young women she ministers to and has a sincere love for our Savior Jesus Christ. Her ministry helps many young women all over the world and is a light in the darkness of cyberspace.

I just felt the need after seeing this series of posts last night to encourage and challenge you to, whether or not you choose to celebrate Halloween, when someone asks you why you do or don't be ready to tell them, BUT do it in a gentle and respectful way.” (1 Peter 3:15) This is the instruction the Spirit of God has given us through the apostle Peter. We are not supposed to get involved in foolish arguments that just provoke fights amongst us. Don't argue with your Christian brothers and sisters who have different views about non-salvation issues. Don't try to be the Holy Spirit in peoples lives. Share your perspective, listen to their perspective and then if you don't agree, it's ok to agree to disagree, move on from the conversation before contention arises and someone gets offended.

I know that in our hearts when we share why we believe the way we do we want others to see the Truth that God has revealed to us, but when we share our revelations aggressively and disrespectfully we do not win the person over. We cause the other person to feel attacked and judged because they don't believe the same way that we do. The Truth of the matter is that God's Word clearly says,

“All things are legitimate [permissible--and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].” - 1 Corinthians 10:23.

Each of has to pray and seek God in His Word about whether or not HE would have us participate in the celebration of Halloween. It is His Spirit that leads us into all Truth. We have His Word that is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

We can not force our views on each other. We can only share what the Spirit of God has shown us in a gentle and respectful way. It is not our job to reveal Truth, that is the Holy Spirit's job. Are job is to love one another no matter what. Are we loving one another when we think less of each because we do or don't celebrate Halloween?

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” - John 13:34-35