Christians have been fasting for around 2,000 years, even though the Bible doesn’t explicitly command it. So, why do we fast? Is it for weight loss or to seem more spiritual at church? According to the Bible, the main reason for fasting should be to build a closer relationship with God, rather than focusing on our bodies or impressing others. Here are eight reasons why fasting is important for Christians.
### What is Fasting?
Before diving into the reasons, let’s clarify what fasting is. Among Christians, fasting typically means temporarily giving up something good, like food, to focus more intensely on something greater, which is God.
Christian fasting differs from Islamic fasting during Ramadan, which is a mandatory practice for all Muslims. In Christianity, fasting isn’t a strict requirement, but the Bible does suggest that Jesus’ followers are expected to fast in certain situations. It’s one of the actions that demonstrate a Christian’s faith and devotion.
### Reasons to Fast:
1. **Christ Expects Us to Fast**
When Jesus talked to His disciples in Matthew 6:16-18, He didn’t command them but said, “when you fast…,” implying that Christians would naturally fast. He emphasized that fasting should be private and should enhance our relationship with God. In Matthew 9, Jesus told the Pharisees that His disciples would fast after He was no longer with them, indicating His expectation.
2. **To Get Guidance**
When Paul needed guidance for leading the churches, he prayed. Similarly, the Israelites fasted and sought God’s guidance when unsure about their next steps during battles, as shown in Judges 20:26-28. Christians today can fast when they need direction in their lives.
3. **For More Intense Praying**
David fasted and prayed earnestly for his child’s life after sinning with Bathsheba. Even though his prayer wasn’t answered as he hoped, fasting helped him transition from blaming God to trusting Him completely. Similarly, in Ezra 8:21-23, fasting and praying for protection were acts of intense faith and reliance on God.
4. **As a Sign of Mourning**
Nehemiah fasted and wept when he heard about Jerusalem’s destruction. His fasting was a sign of repentance for his nation’s sins, demonstrating that some situations demand deep, reflective prayer and fasting.
5. **As A Show of Humility Before God**
David fasted to humble himself before God (Psalms 35:13), and he was known as a man after God’s own heart. Hebrews 4:16 invites us to approach God boldly, but not arrogantly. Fasting helps us maintain a humble posture before God.
6. **For Worship**
Fasting can also be an act of worship. Psalm 51 highlights that God values a humble and contrite heart over mere ritualistic fasting and sacrifices. Our attitude matters when we fast; it should be about worship and humility, not just the act itself.
7. **To Gain Spiritual Strength**
Before beginning His ministry, Jesus fasted for 40 days and then faced Satan’s temptations with spiritual strength (Luke 4:1-11). Similarly, the disciples realized that some spiritual battles required fasting to gain God’s power (Mark 9:29). Miracles and spiritual breakthroughs can happen when fasting is combined with prayer and faith (Matthew 17:20-21).
In summary, fasting is a valuable spiritual practice for Christians. It’s not about losing weight or looking more religious. It’s about seeking a deeper connection with God, gaining guidance, praying fervently, showing repentance, humbling ourselves, worshiping sincerely, and obtaining spiritual strength.