Memorial Day is more than a long weekend spent at the beach or shopping. I know we also view it as the precursor to summer vacations and children being home from school. Just as Christmas and Easter have become watered-down and highly marketed holidays, so has Memorial Day. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971, honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the United States military. It’s one day set aside annually to remember that our freedom has come at a price. It’s only befitting to consider these 10 Honorable Bible Verses for Memorial Day as we count our daily blessings.
- John 15:13- Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Note: This is probably the most recited Memorial Day scripture, but that doesn’t make it any less valid. Consider each word and it will stop you in your tracks.
- Ephesians 5:2- And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
- Mark 10:45- For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
- Mark 12:33- To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.
- Hebrews 13:16- And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Note: Highlighting this in the list of Bible verses for Memorial Day reminds us of our calling. Onward Christian Soldiers.
- John 14:27- Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
- Psalm 28:7- The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.
- Joshua 1:9- Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Note: Memorial Day Bible verses can also remind us of the boldness found in our service members. And yet because they are human they feel everything as we all do. God was with them in their moments of struggle, as He is with us.
- Psalm 116:5-6- The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, He saved me.
- 2 Timothy 1:7- For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
I discovered this article from Times Voice and wanted to share an excerpt. Be sure tomake the time to read it in its entirety-
“We need more national days of introspection and study. We need more days to contemplate freedom and its cost. We need more days to remember to keep clutched closely to our collective breasts, days like Memorial Day; days of remembrance, days of solemnity, and days of contemplation and growth.”
And building on this time of earnest reflection, I believe that Bible verses about the remembrance of loved ones and those who died in service to our Country are meant to direct our attention to our Father as in Isaiah 49:13- “For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.” We have so much to be grateful for. Let’s make sure we are giving honor where it’s due and ultimately for His glory.
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