Halloween, Liberty, & Love

Halloween is just one of many controversial topics. I actually had no intention of blogging today, but there is a passage that sometimes reminds me of Halloween...and it just so happens to be October 31st and it just so happens that this was included in my Bible reading for today!

Romans 14:5-6a

One person esteems one day above another, another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it...

Halloween is something I  participated in growing up, and I have many fond memories associated with it. I delighted in dressing up as Belle, Princess Leia, or whatever it might have been, getting ready with my mom, and going out with Josh and my parents. I even gave away 95% of my candy. I still love scooping out the pumpkin guts and roasting the seeds! I believe these were harmless times for me. Even last night I had a great evening of bowling, costumes, and whatnot with some friends. I understand that Halloween has pagan origins and often many dark images that compel people to separate themselves from it altogether. God bless them for standing by their convictions!

I don't really want this post to be about Halloween, but rather how we should love one another, which is the next section of the chapter. Though we do have freedom, we shouldn't be doing something that harms someone else and causes them to struggle.

Romans 14:13

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this,

not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.

Nobody appreciates it when someone displays a lack of concern for how you feel. It shows a lack of respect and damages a relationship instead of infusing that bond with peace, compassion, and edification. This stumbling block could be the movies we watch, or the things we talk about with each other, for example. We have the freedom to watch these movies and choose our discussion topics, but life is not about us and our wants. It can be hard to sacrifice things that we like and evaluate habits we have for the sake of another. But we are called to love. God has so marvelously loved us, and He will help us love everyone our paths cross with.

Romans 13:10

Love does no harm to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.