As the smell of burgers on the grill fills the air and flags wave proudly in the breeze, Memorial Day gives us a moment to pause—not just for the long weekend, but for something deeper. It’s a day to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. And while it’s a national holiday, it’s also a sacred opportunity for Bible study groups to lean into three important actions: remembering, reflecting, and reconnecting.

So before you dive into that potato salad and baked beans, here are three ways your Bible study group can make this Memorial Day meaningful.

1. Remember the Sacrifice—Both Earthly and Eternal

Memorial Day is about remembering those who laid down their lives for our freedom. As believers, we’re no strangers to the concept of sacrifice. Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” That verse hits differently on Memorial Day, doesn’t it?

This week, take a few minutes in your Bible study to share stories—maybe of family members who served, or even heroes from Scripture who stood in the gap for others. Joshua, Esther, Stephen—these were people who risked everything for a greater cause. Their stories remind us that courage and faith often walk hand in hand.

2. Reflect on Freedom—And What We Do with It

Freedom isn’t just a political concept; it’s a spiritual one. Galatians 5:1 tells us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” As we reflect on the freedoms we enjoy—both as citizens and as children of God—it’s worth asking: how are we using that freedom?

Bible study groups are the perfect place to wrestle with this question. Are we using our freedom to serve others? To speak truth in love? To build community? Maybe this week’s study can be a little less structured and a little more open-ended. Let people share what freedom means to them—and how they feel called to live it out.

Bonus idea: create a “freedom wall” where group members write down one way they want to use their freedom to bless others this summer. (Yes, sticky notes are great for doing an activity like this)

3. Reconnect—With Each Other and with Purpose

Let’s be honest: between graduations, vacations, and the general chaos of May, Bible study groups can start to feel like a game of spiritual hide-and-seek. Memorial Day is a great time to hit the reset button.

Host a casual cookout or picnic with your group. Play cornhole, share testimonies, pray for military families, and maybe even sing a few worship songs around the pool. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just intentional. Reconnecting with each other helps us reconnect with our purpose: to grow in faith, together.

Let’s Wrap it Up

Memorial Day isn’t just a day off—it’s a day to remember who we are, what we’ve been given, and how we’re called to live. So this year, let your Bible study group be more than a meeting. Let it be a movement of gratitude, grace, and good old-fashioned fellowship.

Now go enjoy that hot dog. You’ve earned it.