Fasting is a spiritual practice that has been observed by believers throughout the centuries. It usually accompanies prayer, self-cleansing, and divine seeking. But what does the Bible say about it? Is it mandatory for Christians, and what are its possible spiritual cons?
The Purpose of Fasting in the Bible
Fasting is more than just abstaining from eating; it is a form of seeking God’s presence, His intentions, and exercising meekness. The Bible emphasizes certain key aspects of fasting:
To Seek God’s Guidance: In Acts 13:2-3, fasting and praying were engaged in by the early Christians during the most crucial decisions, such as sending Paul and Barnabas to the ministerial work.
For Repentance and Humility: In Jonah 3:5-10, the people of Nineveh started fasting in repentance, and God mitigated their annihilation.
For spiritual strength: Jesus demonstrated reliance on God’s power instead of food by fasting for 40 days before he started His public ministry (Matthew 4: 1-2).
For Deliverance and Help: When Jehoshaphat saw an overpowering enemy against Judah, he sought God’s protection by proclaiming a fast in 2nd Chronicles 20:3.
Developing Intimacy With God: Fasting is linked with praying in order to nurture one’s relationship with God (Daniel 9:3).
Old Testament Teachings on Fasting
The Old Testament documents so many fasts, frequently for the purposes of mourning, repenting, or getting ready to meet God.
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement): The only fast prescribed in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 16:29-31) instructed the Israelites to “afflict themselves,” which many understand to mean to abstain from food.
Fasting in Times of Crisis: People fasted during times of national crisis, such as in Esther 4:16, when Queen Esther requested that the Jews fast prior to her going before the king to plead for her people.
New Testament Perspective on Fasting
Fasting was maintained by Jesus and His disciples, but Jesus stressed that it must be paired with the right heart attitude.
Jesus Taught About Fasting: In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus cautioned against ostentatious fasting and attempted to make it clear that His followers were only to do it in secret to receive God’s validation.
The Early Church Practiced Fasting: As we can witness in the practices recorded in Acts 14:23, fasting was clearly common among Christians when making decisions as well as during worship.
Fasting and the Presence of Christ: Jesus’ disciples abstained from fasting while He was actively teaching among them, but as He left, He noted that they would begin fasting (Matthew 9:14–15).
Should Christians Fast Today?
While fasting is not mandatory for believing Christians, it is considered a commendable act of devotion. Christians undertake fasting for different purposes, including, but not limited to, personal improvement, spiritual supersession, and seeking nearness to God.
Should you decide to enter a fast, bear in mind the following principles:
Aimed Fasting: You should turn to God, not others, for help (Matthew 6:16) while fasting should equally be performed in secrecy.
Pairing Fasting with Prayer: Fasting with no intercession is only another way of dieting; real fasting is absolutely focused on the Father.
Wise Action: It is always wise to select a method of fasting that is not jeopardizing to one’s health, whether a complete fast (no food, hydration only), a partial fast (some food is permitted), or spiritual (abstaining from worldly attention grabbers).
Fasting is presented in the Holy Bible as a vital means of spiritual self-discipline, helping one be responsive to the desires of the Heavenly Father, His leading, and be faith filled. Undoubtedly, fasting is not obligatory but contributes boundlessly to those sincerely wishing to partake in it.
Would you like guidance on how to start fasting or different types of fasting?
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