What Does the Bible Say About Fasting?

To begin with, let’s be clear that the Bible does not command Christians to fast. It is important to know that God does not demand or require fasting. However, the Bible is also clear when it says that fasting offers myriad benefits for us Christians. Not only is fasting beneficial, but it is also profitable for us. We can find numerous accounts of believers who fasted before they made critical decisions (Acts 13:2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”; 14:23). By examining (Luke 2:37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four.[a] She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.; (Luke 5:33 They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.”), we discover that prayer and fasting are often linked together.

Some Christians think that the purpose of fasting is to deprive their body of food. In truth, the main purpose of fasting is to take our eyes and desires off the things of this world. We are bringing our focus back to God when we fast. Such religious observance demonstrates seriousness about our relationship with God. Because of this, fasting helps us gain renewed reliance and dependence on God. It is not just about abstaining from foods or drinks, but rather about trusting God and enjoying an intimate relationship with Him.

This temporary renunciation of something that is in itself good or desirable brings us closer to God, because it intensifies our expression of a need for something greater, namely Jesus and His work in our Christian lives. Although there is no direct or explicit command given to us by God to fast, we know that it provides numerous benefits for us as Christians. Fasting is a gift from God, since it enables us to set our focus and attention back on Him, instead of the world and our own desires.

The Purpose of Fasting

There are other ways to fast aside from abstaining from foods or drinks. An example of fasting that is not related to food is found in 1 Corinthians 7:1-5. When we fast, it should be limited to a set time, especially if we are fasting from food. Remember that fasting is Biblically and scientifically healthy and beneficial, but doing it for an extended period of time can be very harmful to our body. The goal of fasting is to not punish our flesh, but to redirect our focus and attention to Jesus.

Don’t think of fasting as a “dieting method”. Its purpose is not to give you a healthier or more fit body. Christians should not fast if they are aiming to lose weight. The practice is all about gaining a deeper fellowship with God and renewing our relationship with Jesus Christ. It is also advisable that you consider your health when fasting. Some of us may not be allowed to fast, especially those who are diagnosed with diabetes. Again, fasting is not just about food. We can always temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to our faithful and powerful God.

The Focus of Fasting

It is wrong to fast in order to convince God to grant us what we want or wish. Bear in mind that fasting changes us, but not God. Also, let us not become like those hypocritical religious leaders in the Bible who show off in public that they are fasting. Remember that fasting does not make us any more spiritual or holy than others. When we fast, it is important that we remain joyful and at the same time humble. When fasting, let us not make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting (Matthew 6:16-18). The verse continues, “I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. Jesus continued, “But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Jesus clearly encourages Christians to do Biblical fasting on a personal, rather than public level.

It is important to check our hearts and motives when fasting. Let us remind ourselves that fasting is about one person and God. The prophet Isaiah said in Isaiah 58:6-7, “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” (NLT). Understanding what is fasting and how it is done properly is critical for us Christians and there is no other book in the world that can teach us more about fasting than the Bible.

Always remember that the goal of fasting is to bring us closer to God. Take note that the great reward in fasting is Jesus Himself. The moment we put our focus back on Jesus, we will experience deeper and more authentic joy. Remember that as we decrease, our Spirit also increases. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:16, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day”. (NIV).