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As we gear up for Halloween, it’s a great time to reflect on the idea of trick-or-treating in a different light—how can we "trick" others with kindness? While Halloween is a time for fun costumes, candy, and spooky decorations, it can also serve as a reminder to share kindness with others, not just through treats but in the way we show up for each other in small but impactful ways.
Scripture Calls Us to Kindness
Kindness is deeply rooted in scripture, and Halloween is the perfect opportunity to practice it. Here are a few Bible verses to inspire us this season:
Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Proverbs 16:24: “Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."
These scriptures remind us that kindness is not just a virtue, but a calling—something we can practice every day, whether we're handing out candy, offering forgiveness, or extending grace to a neighbor in need.
Trunk or Treat at St. Matthew's: Trick or Treating with Kindness
This past weekend, St. Matthew’s hosted what many are calling our best Trunk or Treat yet! Over 24 decorated trunks filled our parking lot, hosted by families, scout troops, local nonprofits, and small businesses from our community. From elaborately spooky setups to fun, interactive stations, our volunteers went above and beyond, transforming their cars into magical Halloween scenes.
We estimate that at least 600 kids, along with their parents (and even some dressed-up pets!), came through to experience the fun. What made this event truly special was not just the candy, but the creativity and thoughtfulness behind each trunk.
Many trunks offered games, crafts, free books, and other activities for the kids to enjoy. Whether it was a mini-pumpkin craft station or a soccer kicking challenge, these moments of joy went far beyond sweets, turning the day into a celebration of connection and community.
The time, effort, and care our volunteers put into their trunks was a living example of what it means to “trick or treat others with kindness.” Some people gave up their Sunday afternoons, a prime time for football, to direct traffic, hand out candy, and share smiles. Their generosity in time and spirit filled the afternoon with warmth, reminding all of us that even in the smallest actions—like handing out candy or guiding a family to the next trunk—we can reflect God’s love and kindness.
How to Trick Others with Kindness This Halloween
This Halloween season, why not challenge yourself to “trick” someone with a surprise act of kindness? Here are some simple ideas:
Leave a Surprise Treat for a Neighbor: Drop off some baked goods or Halloween candy on your neighbor's porch with a note wishing them a happy fall. It's a sweet way to build community!
Offer to Help a Busy Parent: Halloween can be chaotic for parents juggling costumes, school parties, and trick-or-treating. Offer to help a friend with their kids or take them dinner on Halloween so they can enjoy the festivities with a little less stress.
Donate Halloween Costumes: Know a family in need? Donate gently used or new costumes to a local shelter or school so that every child can feel included in the holiday fun. Many of our local schools host a 'Book Character Day' a few days before the holiday and collect costumes for students in need.
Give a Compliment to a Stranger: Kind words can brighten anyone’s day. Compliment someone on their costume, their creative decorations, or even just for the effort they made in celebrating the season.
Volunteer Your Time: Whether it's helping at church, or a local event, supporting a food pantry, or simply visiting a neighbor who may be feeling lonely, your time is one of the greatest gifts you can offer.
Halloween may come with tricks, but at its heart, it’s an opportunity for generosity, fun, and joy. As we celebrate, let’s also remember to practice kindness, reflecting the love and grace that we are called to share with one another.
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