Beyond the Deals: 10 Meaningful Ways for Christians to Spend Black Friday

Discover 10 meaningful activities to do on Black Friday as a Christian that don't involve shopping. Volunteer, spend time with loved ones, attend church, and more!

Black Friday is a popular day for shopping, as retailers offer amazing discounts and deals to attract customers. However, not everyone enjoys shopping or wants to deal with the crowds and chaos that come with it. If you are one of those people, don't worry! There are plenty of other things you can do on Black Friday besides shop. In this article, we will explore ten activities that you can enjoy on this day.

1. Volunteer
Black Friday is a great day to give back to your community. Many organizations, such as food banks, homeless shelters, and animal rescues, need volunteers to help out. Volunteering is not only a great way to help others, but it is also a way to spread God's love and kindness.

As the Bible says in James 2:14-17: "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

2. Spend time with family and friends
Black Friday is a perfect day to spend quality time with your loved ones. You can plan a fun activity, such as going to a movie, playing a board game, or having a potluck meal together. Spending time with family and friends is essential for building strong relationships and creating lasting memories.

In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, the Bible says: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

3. Take a nature walk
Nature is a beautiful gift from God, and spending time outdoors can be very rejuvenating for the soul. You can take a leisurely stroll in a park, hike a trail, or go for a bike ride. You can also take this opportunity to admire God's handiwork and reflect on His goodness.

In Psalm 19:1, the Bible says: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

4. Attend a church service
Black Friday is an excellent day to attend a church service and worship God. Many churches offer special services on this day, and you can use this opportunity to connect with God and your community. You can also take this time to pray for others and thank God for His blessings.

In Colossians 3:16-17, the Bible says: "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

5. Read a book
Reading is an excellent way to relax and unwind on Black Friday. You can choose a book that interests you or read the Bible. Reading the Bible is a great way to deepen your faith and gain wisdom and understanding.

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the Bible says: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

6. Watch a movie
Watching a movie is an excellent way to spend time indoors and relax on Black Friday. You can choose a movie that inspires you or teaches you valuable life lessons. You can also choose a movie that aligns with your Christian values and beliefs.

In Philippians 4:8, the Bible says: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

7. Cook a meal
Cooking a meal is an excellent way to express your creativity and show love to others. You can try a new recipe or cook a favorite dish for your family and friends. You can also use this opportunity to thank God for the abundance of food and blessings in your life.

In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Bible says: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

8. Write a letter
Writing a heartfelt letter is a great way to show love and appreciation to someone you care about. You can write to a friend, family member, or someone you admire. You can also write a letter to God, expressing your gratitude and asking for His guidance.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Bible says: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

9. Exercise
Exercising is an excellent way to take care of your physical and mental health. You can go for a run, lift weights, or do yoga. You can also use this opportunity to thank God for the gift of a healthy body and ask for His strength and guidance.

In 1 Corinthians 9:27, the Bible says: "No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

10. Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude is an excellent way to cultivate a positive mindset and focus on the good things in your life. You can make a list of things you are thankful for, write in a gratitude journal, or share your gratitude with others. You can also use this opportunity to thank God for His blessings and express your love for Him.

In Psalm 107:1, the Bible says: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Conclusion
Black Friday is not just about shopping; it is an opportunity to enjoy the blessings of life and spend time with loved ones. By volunteering, spending time with family and friends, taking a nature walk, attending a church service, reading a book, watching a movie, cooking a meal, writing a letter, exercising, and practicing gratitude, you can make this day special and meaningful. Remember to always seek God's guidance and wisdom in all that you do and give thanks for His love and blessings.

FAQs

1. Is it wrong for Christians to shop on Black Friday?
No, it is not wrong for Christians to shop on Black Friday. However, it is essential to remember that material possessions are temporary, and our focus should be on God and His eternal kingdom.

2. How can I make Black Friday meaningful as a Christian?
You can make Black Friday meaningful as a Christian by volunteering, spending time with loved ones, attending a church service, reading the Bible, and practicing gratitude.

3. How can I resist the temptation to overspend on Black Friday?
To resist the temptation to overspend on Black Friday, you can create a budget, make a list of items you need, and avoid impulsive purchases.

4. Can I use Black Friday as an opportunity to share my faith with others?
Yes, you can use Black Friday as an opportunity to share your faith with others. You can volunteer, show kindness to others, and use this opportunity to spread God's love and message.

5. How can I glorify God in all that I do on Black Friday?
You can glorify God in all that you do on Black Friday by seeking His guidance and wisdom, thanking Him for His blessings, and showing love and kindness to others. Remember to focus on God and His eternal kingdom, rather than material possessions.