10 Bible Verses to Focus on during the Halloween Season

1. 2 Timothy 1:7

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” - 2 Timothy 1:7

The Halloween season often amplifies our culture’s fascination with fear. Movies, haunted houses, and ghost stories capitalize on the emotion of fear, making it seem like a natural part of this celebration. However, 2 Timothy 1:7 reveals an important truth: fear is not from God. The spirit God has given us is one of power, love, and self-discipline – not timid fearfulness. This verse reminds us that God equips us with the strength we need to face whatever scares us, in all situations. By focusing on this verse, we can approach Halloween with confidence, remembering that our power comes from the Holy Spirit. This isn’t an invitation to act recklessly or dismiss real dangers, but instead, a call to understand that we can live with courage because we belong to God.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/jakkapan21 

2. Romans 12:21

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:21

This is a simple yet significant principle that applies not only during Halloween but in every season – we can resist evil and overcome it with good. Halloween traditions often glorify evil. But the Bible calls us to shift our focus away from evil and toward good. No matter how much evil may scare us, we be confident that the power of good is much greater than the power of evil. The more we focus on what’s good, the more we can fight evil and overcome it. Instead of worrying about the evil around us in our fallen world, we can rely on our good God to help us fight evil. We can also focus on the positive elements of community and creativity while avoiding the negative elements of Halloween. That could involve using Halloween as a time to show kindness to our neighbors, sharing the Gospel, or doing volunteer service work. This verse challenges us to consider how we can use this time to glorify God, rather than be influenced by our culture’s emphasis on darkness.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Timothy Eberly 

3. Ephesians 6:11-13

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:11-13

This passage speaks directly to the spiritual realities behind the darkness we often associate with Halloween – such as evil spirits. In contrast to popular depictions of evil as something to be entertained by or played with, the Bible reminds us of the very real spiritual battles that are happening around us. God wants us to recognize and respond to spiritual warfare. When we put on “the full armor of God” during Halloween, we gain the power we need to face the fears and temptations to sin that come up during this scary season. Halloween often trivializes or mocks spiritual forces, but God calls us to take spiritual warfare seriously. This doesn’t mean we need to avoid Halloween altogether. Instead, we need to remember that our struggles in this world are ultimately against evil spiritual forces, and we need to be prepared well for the fight every single day. We can do so by putting on God’s armor (which the Bible describes in Ephesians 6:14-17) and praying in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18).

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/RomoloTavani 

4. 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.” - Philippians 4:8

This verse provides a valuable framework for us as we manage the cultural aspects of Halloween. While some elements of Halloween are benign and enjoyable, others can be disturbing or glorify evil. This verse encourages us to practice discernment about what we do, and don’t, pay attention to based on what’s truly worthy of our attention. The Bible calls us here to focus our thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, and lovely. By applying this verse, we can be selective about how we engage with Halloween. Instead of fixating on the darker aspects of the season, we can focus on the parts that promote goodness, such as having fun with our family and friends through fall harvest festivals, or celebrating God’s gift of creativity with our children through positive Halloween costumes. Ultimately, this verse calls us to keep our minds and hearts focused on what pleases God, even in a season that often highlights the opposite.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Sara Monika 

5. Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10

This is a powerful promise of God’s presence and help. While the Halloween season may stir up feelings of fear through spooky decorations, costumes, or events, this verse reminds us that God is always with us. We can trust that God will provide the strength and support we need in any circumstances. Whatever the source of our fears – current events, personal struggles, or spiritual attacks – we don’t need to be afraid because our all-powerful God will be with us, helping us. God reassures us not to be dismayed even in the most scary and challenging situations, because he is our God, and he will uphold us. Halloween may playfully encourage fear, but we can reject that message by focusing on the truth that God is present and powerful, offering us peace in place of fear.

Photo Credit: ©iStofk/Getty Images Plus/Drazen Zigic 

6. 1 John 4:4

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4

While Halloween often emphasizes dark forces and evil beings, 1 John 4:4 offers a comforting truth: the One who is in us is greater than any force of evil. This verse assures us that God’s light dispels the darkness around us, because it is much greater. It reminds us that, as children of God in relationships with Jesus, our victory over evil is assured. In a fallen world that’s filled with sin and fear, this verse gives us the promise that God’s power exceeds any evil force we’ll ever encounter. Halloween celebrations of evil can’t compete with the truth of God’s supremacy. We can participate in the Halloween season without fear, knowing that God’s light overcomes all darkness.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Smileus 

7. John 1:5

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1:5

No matter how deep the darkness may seem – during Halloween or in life – God’s light shines brightly and can’t be extinguished. Halloween often directs our attention to darkness, but this verse assures us that God’s light is victorious over all. We can let the truth of this verse help us stop worrying and instead ask God to help us with whatever situations are concerning us. We can also take this verse as an encouragement to let God’s light shine through our lives, reflecting God’s love and truth – especially in seasons like Halloween where darkness is celebrated. The way we can do so is simply by choosing love and kindness day by day in our thoughts, words, and actions. Every time other people experience our loving kindness, they see God’s light shining through us. This verse gives us hope that no matter how prevalent evil or fear might seem, it can’t overcome the light of God’s presence.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Jose Luis Pelaez Inc 

8. Psalm 23:4

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4

People often read this verse at funerals, because of how comforting it is about God’s unfailing presence and protection. During Halloween, this verse serves as a reassuring reminder that no matter how dark or frightening the world around us may appear, God is with us, guiding and protecting us. This verse encourages us not to give into the fear that is often glorified during Halloween. The “darkest valley” represents the most challenging and intimidating situations we go through. But even in those circumstances, we’re never alone. God’s “rod and staff” symbolize God’s authority, discipline, and care, shepherding his people through all circumstances. In the context of Halloween, it reminds us that no matter how much fear is promoted, God’s comfort prevails.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/BNB Photo 

9. James 4:7

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” - James 4:7

This verse reminds us of the authority we have over evil when we submit to God. Through this verse, God calls us to resist temptations to sin and to rely on God’s strength to stand firm against evil. Halloween often portrays the devil and other demons in a trivialized or sensationalized way, but the Bible takes these forces seriously. The Bible teaches that the devil (Satan) and all demons are real, and we can protect ourselves from demons with God’s help. The first step is submitting to God, which means aligning our hearts, minds, and actions with God’s will. When we do this, the devil and all types of evil beings will flee. During Halloween, we can apply this verse by rejecting any participation in practices that glorify evil or fear and instead focusing on the goodness, power, and holiness of God.

Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/kevron2001 

10. Colossians 1:13-14

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:13-14

A major transformation happens when we place our faith in Jesus. Before beginning relationships with Jesus, we were all part of the “dominion of darkness,” but through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have been rescued and transferred into God’s kingdom. This is a particularly meaningful passage to reflect on during Halloween, when many people focus on the darkness in our fallen world. This verse highlights the stark difference between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. As believers, we are no longer bound by the fear and oppression of darkness because Jesus has redeemed us. This redemption includes not only the forgiveness of our sins but also releasing us from the power that darkness once had over us. During Halloween, we can celebrate the victory of Jesus over darkness and use this time to reflect on the salvation and freedom we have in relationships with him. The Halloween season can also be an opportunity to share the hope of this verse with those who may still feel trapped by darkness. 

In conclusion, Halloween is a season that is full of messages about fear, evil, and death. However, the Bible reminds us of God’s power, love, and truth. God calls us as his children to stand strong against evil, reject fear, and live out the truth that God’s power is far greater than any of the darkness around us. By reminding ourselves of these Bible verses, we can approach the Halloween season with discernment and the peace that comes from knowing that our good God is with us.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/SrdjanPav