Memorial Day is just around the corner, reminding Americans of the sacrifices that have been made on behalf of our nation. 

While Memorial Day is not a Christian holiday, it is important to acknowledge and remember those who have died so that we might live in a more free country. And as Christians, we can also use this day to celebrate and remember the Biblical values of sacrifice, courage, and love.

In this article, we’ll take a look at 17 Bible verses that are relevant to Memorial Day. But first, let’s take a quick history lesson and explore the meaning of Memorial Day. 

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors those who have died while serving in the military. Observed annually on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is a time for Americans to remember and honor the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives for their country. 

The holiday originated as Decoration Day after the Civil War, which ended in 1865, and it was established to honor the Union soldiers who died in the war. The first observance of Decoration Day was held on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Over time, Decoration Day evolved into Memorial Day, and the holiday began to honor all Americans who died while serving in the military. In 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday, and its observance was moved to the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend for Americans.

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated across the country with special events that honor the sacrifices made by those who died in service to their country. It also unofficially marks the start of the summer season…meaning that many Americans use their three-day weekend as an opportunity to BBQ with friends and family, go to the beach, and make special trips. 

17 Bible Verses for Memorial Day

So, what does Memorial Day have to do with the Bible?

Well, while Memorial Day may have its origins nearly 1900 years after the death and resurrection of Christ, it’s still a chance to consider real-life demonstration of love, sacrifice, hope, and courage. 

That being said, here are 17 Bible verses that are relevant to Memorial Day:

1. John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
2. Romans 12:1 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
3. Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
4. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
5. Psalm 46:1 - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
6. 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."
7. Isaiah 6:8 - "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"
8. 1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
9. Proverbs 28:1 - "The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
10. 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."
11. Psalm 116:15 - "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants."
12. 2 Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
13. Psalm 144:1 - "Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle."
14. Matthew 5:4 - "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
15. Romans 5:3-5 - "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
16. James 4:14 - "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
17. Ephesians 6:13-15 - "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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”

Celebrating Memorial Day at Your Church

While you might see a slight drop in attendance on Memorial Day weekend because of long weekend trips, you should still take a moment to acknowledge the holiday in your announcements and even your sermon. 

Another way to honor the holiday is to use social media graphics to recognize the holiday. To download the free graphic below (and others like it!) check out Tithely Media.

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