Every year, I write a post about Halloween since it is such a controversial subject among Christians. After last year’s Halloween, I wrote about our friends using the holiday to Overcome Evil (Even Halloween) with Good. I used to not celebrate Halloween and would turn off all of my lights and not answer the door when children came knocking but I couldn’t get this verse out of my mind, “Give to him that asks thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away” (Matthew 5:42). The past couple of years, I did hand out candy to the children that came to my door asking for a treat. After last Halloween, I saw an article written on John MacArthur’s blog about Halloween. It was titled Separation, Purity and Halloween. I thought for sure he would encourage his congregation to not have anything to do with Halloween, but this is how they concluded the post.

“Even if you simply give out candy to the children passing through your neighborhood, there will be many gospel opportunities you won’t want to miss. Drop a tract in with each kid’s candy, or try to engage their parents in a conversation you can steer toward the things of the Lord. Maybe even invite the whole family to your church? Certain circumstances—like the makeup of your community and your living situation—will determine what kind of opportunities you have, but they will be there if you look hard enough.

“For most believers, the situation is simple. Not long from now, dozens of unsaved people will be in your neighborhood, possibly even at your doorstep. For their sake, and for the sake of God’s kingdom, don’t shut them out and ignore their spiritual needs. As the world celebrates darkness, do something—anything—to shine the light of the gospel in your community.” After years of going back and forth about the holiday, it was the same conclusion that I have come to!

Last year, I put organic lollipops in a baggy with a small, Gospel cartoon tract, then handed them out to all the children with a smile. I would tell them that they didn’t need any more junk, so I wanted to give them something just a bit better for them. They seemed excited about it! Then I would try to strike up a conversation with them about their costumes or something else. Before the trick-or-treaters come to your home, ask the Lord to give you opportunities to shine the light of Jesus into their lives. Love people enough to put yourself out of your comfort zone and take every opportunity possible to share the hope of the Gospel with a fallen world. A lot of people are searching for Truth and you have it!

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick;
and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Matthew 5:15

“Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,’ When you have it with you.”
Proverbs 3:28

Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.
Matthew 5:42