This is Halloween.

Halloween has grown to be a huge holiday in the U.S. People decorate their homes and dress up in costumes at parties. Children go door-to-door begging for candies with the familiar phrase, “Trick or treat.”

Originally this was sort of a religious day, as it preceded “All Saints Day.” But it has become anything but religious these days. Many of the decorations feature hideous, frightening creatures. Images of violence and death abound. “Haunted” houses draw people who pay for the privilege of screaming in terror. Everywhere, there is an atmosphere of darkness, evil, and fear.

What scares you—really frightens you, and not just like a silly Halloween party?

Some people are afraid of heights; others fear being in crowds. Some people run from clowns, while others hate being up high. One of the biggest fears, believe it or not, is speaking in front of a group. And if people are honest, just about everyone admits to fearing death.

If you read the Bible for very long, you’ll read, “Fear not” or “Don’t be afraid.” In Deuteronomy 31:8, Moses told Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor forsake you.” What a great promise!

And look at the verse for today in which John explains why we don’t have to fear: because God loves us.

So whenever you feel afraid, remember God is with you. Most of all, remember that he loves you!

Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us (1 John 4:18).

To Do

Make a sign that says “Fear not—1 John 4:8.” Tape it to your front door so that all the trick-or-treaters will see it. Who knows? You or your parents may get to tell someone what it means.

Also on this day

1517—Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses at Augsburg, beginning the Protestant Reformation.

1860—Juliette Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, was born.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.