BROADCASTS.com

b'Halloween can be a controversial time for Christians. While some view Halloween as a celebration of all that is dark, demonic, and evil, others view it as a community-building opportunity to share Jesus with their neighbors. Both sides have valid points, so which one should we pick?\\nHalloween originated as a pagan holiday, believed to be a day when spirits came to earth to wreak havoc. To avoid being haunted, people would disguise themselves so that the spirits wouldn\\u2019t recognize them. Halloween has long been linked with witchcraft, evil spirits, and death, so naturally some Christians feel that we should avoid it.\\nOther Christians, however, view modern-day Halloween as so far distanced from its pagan roots that it has turned into a harmless night of fun and fellowship. They note that many Christmas and Easter traditions have pagan roots too, but Christians now use these celebrations to glorify God. So, they say, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Why not do the same with Halloween?\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d They use Halloween as a way to connect with neighbors that they rarely see and tell them about Jesus.\\nSo who is right? Well, probably both. In today\\u2019s reading, Paul is discussing a controversial issue in the Corinthian church: Is it okay to eat meat that has been sacrificed to an idol? Basically, Paul says, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Well, it\\u2019s up to you. You are free in Christ, so idols hold no power over you. Eat if you want, but watch those around you. Are you causing a fellow believer to stumble? If so, then don\\u2019t eat. It\\u2019s not worth it.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d\\nThis can also be applied to Halloween. If your family celebrates Halloween, take full advantage of the opportunity to reach out to others, but don\\u2019t make other Christians feel bad because they choose not to celebrate. And if your family doesn\\u2019t celebrate Halloween, don\\u2019t look down on those who do celebrate. The most important thing is to love one another in Christ even when we disagree.\\n\\u2022 Do you celebrate Halloween? Why or why not? How can Christians demonstrate love to one another even while discussing topics they disagree on? \\u2022 Why is it important to know your reasons for practicing the things you do (or don\\u2019t do)? \\nWith all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 (CSB)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\n1 Corinthians 8'