Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember and honor those who died while serving in the armed forces. These Memorial Day Bible verses help us show respect and gratitude for their sacrifice, honor their courage, and bring hope and comfort to their families.
History of Memorial Day
It began as an event called “Decoration Day,” held at the dedication of Arlington National Cemetery. It honored Civil War Union soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Now, people widely observe it as a legal holiday to honor all members of the United States military who died in service to our nation.
People observe Memorial Day on the last Monday of May and mark it with military services, parades, and speakers. The President observes Memorial Day by making a call for people of all faiths to pray for permanent peace.¹
Designated as a federal holiday, many enjoy the long weekend as the unofficial beginning of summer.
Memorial Day is also a fitting day to pray for those who are serving now. Pray for their safety and health, the families separated during deployments, and the chaplains who minister to our soldiers.
Memorial Day Scriptures
The Biblical values of sacrifice, honor, and freedom found in God’s Word are worth remembering and highlighting as they apply to those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.
Solomon contrasts waging war against those who advance evil with living in harmony:
Ecclesiastes 3:8
There is “a time for war and a time for peace.”
Sadly, while historians might squabble over numbers, there have been precious few years without war somewhere in our world since its inception.
Proverbs 30:5
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
2 Timothy 2:3-4
Paul encourages Timothy in his battle to advance the Gospel:
“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs- he wants to please his commanding officer.”
Soldiers give up their civilian lives to go through extremely rigorous courses of discipline, obedience, and sacrifice.
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom should I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
Excluding periods of military draft, many men and women over the years have willingly said, “I will serve,” knowing they may give their life for their country.
Psalm 144:1
“Praise be to the Lord, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Honor in the military is of the utmost importance in keeping the core values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity, and personal courage in each soldier’s life.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
The honor and commitment soldiers have to each other uniquely binds them, even in the darkest of times. The Soldier’s Creed contains a core value- never leave a fallen comrade behind.
Philippians 2:4
“In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.”
Psalm 23:4-6
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” NASB.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” ESV.
Deuteronomy 26:8
“So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand and powerful arm, with overwhelming terror, and with miraculous signs and wonders.”
God showed His unique warrior powers against the Egyptian army as He freed the Israelites.
Ephesians 6:10-11
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Psalm 9:9
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 23:3,5-6
“He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” ESV.
Proverbs 28:1
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
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.”
God’s promised presence with Joshua and his army was a comfort and a blessing.
1 Timothy 6:12
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
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.”
Jesus defeated Satan through the battle of the cross and the triumph of the resurrection.
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Romans 13:7
“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”
Paul clearly states we are to be responsible citizens as well as responsible Christians.
Bible Verses that Bring Comfort
These verses bring comfort, compassion, and hope when we lose a loved one. Grief is a natural human reaction; the Bible is filled with grieving characters. But God always remains close to those in pain.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.”
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
1 Corinthians 15:54-55,57
“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
John 14:2-3
“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
What a precious promise to cling to!
1 Thessalonians 4:16
“For the Lord himself will descend from haven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will raise first.”
What words of comfort and encouragement for us when someone we love dies!
Bible Verses about Honoring the Dead
Philippians 1:3
“I thank God in all my remembrance of you.”
Psalm 116:15
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
Bible Verse for Fallen Soldier
2 Samuel 1:25
“How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathon lies slain on your heights.”
David grieved deeply over the loss of both Saul and Jonathon, composing a song to honor them both. (vv19-27)
Memorial Day Prayer
Heavenly Father, wrap your loving arms around those who are mourning the loss of their soldier on this Memorial Day. Bring them the peace only You can give, and Your loving comfort. Help them feel the gratefulness in our hearts for their loved one’s sacrifice. We thank you for these brave men and women who willingly laid down their lives for our nation; protecting us from our enemies. May we be inspired by their sacrifice to show selfless love to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
These Bible verses give us much to reflect on- the remembrance, honor, and respect for the brave men and women who died for our country and preserving our freedoms to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It’s good to contemplate the hard-won freedoms and its cost, and most of all, Jesus, who gave us the ultimate expression of sacrifice, freedom, and love to live by.
Blessings of Remembrance,
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.
¹https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/36/116
Photo Credit: Canva
So good. I’d like to forward that prayer to others.
And remembering that Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice, laying down His life for us, His friends.
Thanks, Ann
Blessings in this Memorial Day
His was the ultimate expression of sacrifice, freedom, and love. What a beautiful Savior. Thanks for sharing!