Are you wondering… What is a good Bible Verse for Memorial Day? In this devotional, we’ll read some Courageous Bible Verses for Memorial Day and learn how the sacrifice of our veterans is a mirror image of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Memorial Day is a special time in the United States when we celebrate both the fallen soldier and active members of the military. Through the dedicated service and selfless sacrifice of our veterans, we have been blessed with the gift of a free society.
As we honor them this holiday, let’s also remember the most precious gift ever given, salvation.
Through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have received a different kind of freedom. Sin and shame no longer have a hold on us. We have been set free from them for all eternity!
These Courageous Bible Verses for Memorial Day celebrate the freedom we have in knowing Jesus, remind us of His great sacrifice, and give us courage to face each new morning.
May you be blessed with courage, and live free in Jesus today!
Inspirational Memorial Day Bible Verses
The Word of God is full of inspirational verses that are perfect for celebrating this special federal holiday. Each one reminds us of the gift of freedom, liberty, and justice we are blessed with.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
1 John 3:16
Bible Verses about Courage
This collection of Bible Verses about Courage shows us God’s love for His people. He promises to never leave us no matter how hard the road becomes. And that should make us strong and courageous in the face of anything!
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:4-5
Memorial Day Scriptures about Freedom
As we look back at the history of Memorial Day, we can understand the importance of this holiday. It was originally known as Decoration Day because it was the time when people would honor the fallen soldiers by decorating their graves or memorials.
After the Civil War, the name of this holiday was changed, but its meaning lives on today. We still honor our loved ones who have passed away. And we remember the sacrifice of our military then and now.
These brave heroes fought for our freedom. And we are thankful for them.
But these Memorial Day Scriptures about Freedom, give us a glimpse of the unfailing love of Christ. He fought for our freedom in a different way. And in Him we have eternal life and freedom.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
Who executes justice for the oppressed,
Who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.
Psalm 146:7
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
Romans 6:22
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
John 8:36
Bible Verses for Memorial Day about the Nations
Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.
Revelation 16:19 NJKV
For this is what the Lord says: “Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; And you will be nursed, you will be carried on the hip and rocked back and forth on the knees.
Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
Read the Devotional: Bible Verses for July 4th
Memorial Day Bible Verses about Soldiers
In scripture, the Christian life is often likened to a soldier. There are many reasons why. But the most important is that we are to be like Jesus.
He made the ultimate sacrifice for us the same way a soldier fighting in a foreign land might do today. As we remember those brave men and women who have sacrificed it all on this holiday, let’s read some Bible verses about sacrifice and be inspired by their heroism.
Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His saints.
Psalm 116:15 NKJV
Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
All these were descendants of Asher—heads of families, choice men, brave warriors and outstanding leaders. The number of men ready for battle, as listed in their genealogy, was 26,000.
Look, their brave men cry aloud in the streets; the envoys of peace weep bitterly.
They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all valiant mighty men, and were captains in the army.
1 Chronicles 12:21 NASB
And you shall be filled at my table with horses and charioteers, with mighty men and all kinds of warriors,’ declares the Lord God.
Ezekiel 39:20 English Standard Version
The Armor of God
Every good soldier needs to put on a full set of armor before entering the battlefield.
As we have already seen, Christians are warriors. And we need to be ready for the spiritual battle we face each day.
So, our Heavenly Father has given us a special kind of armor just for us. The Armor of God. With it, we are fully equipped for the battle.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:10-12 NKJV
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.
Ephesians 6:13 NIV
For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NASB
Read this Bible Study: Spiritual Warfare Scriptures for when you’re under attack
Bible Stories for Memorial Day
Joshua was a great warrior. A strategic commander of God’s army here on earth. And his story of victory is one the best Bible stories for Memorial Day.
So. Let’s read part of Joshua’s story and learn how to live by his example and fight the good fight.
So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.”
And he ordered the army, “Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord.”
Joshua 6:7 NIV
The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.
Joshua 3:17 NIV
and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.
Joshua 4:3 English Standard Version
and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites,
Joshua 4:5 NIV
tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”
Joshua 4:7 NIV
God and Memorial Day
Sometimes a soldier needs a safe place to rest. And for believers, our safety is found in God alone.
So, here are some wonderful verses about God and Memorial Day. They’re great encouragement for those times when we need shelter from life’s demands.
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NKJV
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.
1 Chronicles 29:11-12 ESV
Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day.
Psalm 52:1 ESV
For they name themselves after the holy city, And lean on the God of Israel; The Lord of armies is His name.
Isaiah 48:2 NASB
My soul waits in hope for the Lord
More than the watchmen for the morning;
Yes, more than the watchmen for the morning.
Psalm 130:6 NASB
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Psalm 46:9 NKJV
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Hebrews 13:6 NIV
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 NIV
Memorial Day Bible Study of Psalm 23
Just like the previous Bible verses for Memorial Day, this Bible study of Psalm 23 shows us God’s sovereignty as He gives us rest.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Psalm 23:2-3 NKJV
he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:3 NIV
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 ESV
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
Psalm 23:6 NKJV
Read the Devotional: How to Have Liberty in Christ Galatians 5:1
Memorial Day Scriptures about Eternal Life
I have family members serving in the military right now. It’s their sacrifice and the sacrifice of so many just like them that keeps us free. And I couldn’t be more thankful to each of them.
But I’m even more grateful for the sacrifice Jesus made to set me and you free. These next scripture references are about the eternal life we have in Jesus Christ once we believe in Him.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:3 NKJV
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 NIV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
Romans 8:35 NIV
Memorial Day Prayers
What is a good prayer for Memorial Day?
This verse from Psalm 27 always offers serenity amid any battle.
It’s about seeking God and finding peace in Him no matter what is going on in the world around us.
And it’s the perfect prayer to offer up to our Heavenly Father on Memorial Day.
One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
Psalm 27:4 NKJV
With the truth of these Memorial Day Bible Verses, we can live courageously for Jesus and share His love with everyone we meet each day!
I pray you’ll be blessed with liberty and justice knowing Jesus has made you free!
Happy Memorial Day!