What does the Bible say about fasting?

In the Bible, fasting does not appear as a commandment but is assumed to be standard Christian practice. It must be turned toward God, not toward the recognition of others.

Fasting is not eating and/or not drinking for a certain period. It can also be accompanied by other acts of renunciation, such as abstinence from sexual relations (1 Corinthians 7:5). Fasting appears in the Bible as a good thing, always linked to prayer.

Do not refuse each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, to devote yourselves to prayer. Then unite again, lest Satan tempts you for not having self-control. – 1 Corinthians 7:5

Reason for a Christian to fast

One of the main reasons is to feel that you are from God. It doesn’t have to be a very long fast or regular practice. The important thing is to follow God’s leading and take the time to pray. You shouldn’t fast just because you feel pressured or to appear religious. God doesn’t want that. Fasting should be private; only tell if you have to (Matthew 6:16-18).

16. “When you fast, do not look sad like the hypocrites, for they change the appearance of their faces so that others will see that they are fasting. I truly say that they have already received their full reward.

17. When you fast, arrange your hair and wash your face,

18. so that it does not appear to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who sees in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. – Matthew 6:16-18

What is fasting for?

1. To get answers

InActs of the Apostles 13:2-3, God spoke to the people while they were fasting. When we fast and pray, God can reveal useful or important things to us.

2. To get closer to God

This is the main reason for fasting, all others are secondary (Zechariah 7:5). fasting is a way of worshiping God and listening to him better.

3. To control yourself

Enjoying food is good, but we shouldn’t be dominated by it (1 Corinthians 6:12). Fasting helps to bring the body under God’s authority.

4. For deliverance and miracles

Fasting and praying help to win spiritual battles because we learn to trust and depend more on God. For example, Esther, before speaking to the king to solve a problem that seemed impossible, called for a three-day fast (Esther 4:15-17).

5. To show sadness and regret

When the people of Nineveh heard the prophet Jonah and repented, a fast was proclaimed to ask God for forgiveness and make things right (Jonah 3:5-9).

What Does the Bible Say About Fasting?

The Bible gives examples of three types of fasting:

  1. Regular fasting: not eating anything, just drinking water. This is the most conventional type of fasting. It seems to be this type that Jesus did in the desert for 40 days (Matthew 4:1-2 says that he did not eat and was hungry, not thirsty).
  2. Total fasting: this is the most radical, which only happens in extreme situations, as in the case of Esther, and never for more than three days.
  3. Partial fasting: for three weeks, Daniel did not drink wine, meat or tasty things (Daniel 10:2-3). It is most recommended for people with an impediment to doing a normal fast, such as heavy work or health problems.

Recommended:

How to do Daniel Fast?

What does it mean to be Holy?

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Christian is a specialist in biblical studies, certified by the Word of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI). He has been blogging about faith and writing Christian-themed articles for several years. In his free time, he enjoys reading, spending time with his family, and volunteering at his church and local non-profits. is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus

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