I had an argument with my mom on this topic. I believe fasting is sacrificing your eating to God. It is almost saying on a hot summer day, i wont use the AC for you God, or even the way the way ol' school people used to do it, as in having a cow or any other animal for sacrifice. I thought Jesus was the "ultimate sacrifice"?
My mom defense was that jesus did it so we should too, which isnt a strong point.
I know i might be wrong on this
2007-08-03 08:01:07 · 25 answers · asked by Sad Monkey 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
so by not eating you will be more focused on God?
2007-08-03 08:08:31 · update #1
fasting humbles the heart and brings us closer to God ..
2007-08-03 08:07:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you look in the New Testament, you will find that fasting was done frequently by the apostles after the resurrection.
For example, in Acts 10 Peter is fasting when he has the vision of the unclean animals that prepares him to be able to preach to a gentile. At the same moment, across town, a gentile named Cornelius is also fasting and has a vision to send for Peter. The results is the first gentile converts.
In Acts 14, the church leaders fast before picking new elders
In Acts 15, it is one of the duties that the Jerusalem Council list for Christians.
In 2 Corinthians 6 and 11, Paul writes about how he is "in fasting often".
Fasting is not simply a form of sacrifice. To not use the AC on a hot day would be sacrificing, but have no real spiritual value. Rather fasting is when he restrain from doing something (such as eating) so that you can use the time (shopping, cooking, eating, cleaning up, doing dishes, etc) to pray and seek God instead.
Not eating is not fasting, it is starving. Fasting is dedicating that time and effort to God instead of something else. So you could "fast" television, but taking the time you would have spend watching it and praying or studying the Bible instead. You could "fast" your friends, but giving time you would have spend with them to God instead. 1 Corinthians 7 even says that if married, you can "fast" the time you would normally spend together as a couple, and give it to God instead. (But not to do that for too long).
So fasting is more than just "sacrificing", suffering, or giving something up. It is giving that time to God instead of the other thing. And it is that time with God that gives it a spiritual value.
2007-08-03 15:15:09 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fasting helps you get in touch with the Holy Spirit if used correctly. If you aren't going to do it right don't waste the time.
It is not something you do to honor God unless you choose to do so as the catholics. Many still won't eat meat on Friday because they still think Jesus died on that day. Poor math skills.
There are many books on fasting in print and I'm sure on line
How about this for a point. God said honor your Mother and your Father that you might live long. If you are still living in their home then certainly honor them and their worship and don't try to use it to cause problems. Ask them to explain fasting to you or find the facts and present them to your folks respectfully.
Give them reason why you don't feel you need to participate. Disobedience is not a reason.
God Bless!
2007-08-11 09:40:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think fasting is limited to food. You can fast by not doing something you love to do for a period of time. I think people usually fast while they pray for help. It's like showing God that you need what you need, and you mean it. It's a sacrifice and your problems are taken more seriously when you do it. A perfect example would be how I was praying for help in my relationship with my boyfriend. I put a hobby of mine on serious hiatus for months while I prayed. After that it felt more sincere and it didn't even feel like a problem anymore. At least not my problem. It's like, you do all that you can and then you put it in God's hands. My boyfriend would sometimes call soon after.
I don't know why people do it for no reason. When they do it seems strange unless they're showing their dedication to God.
2007-08-03 15:37:08 · answer #4 · answered by Nell18 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Religious people say fasting makes you pure, release you of bad thoughts, makes you a better person so God will be proud of you. I think it's a more practical thing. Nowadays people don't eat healthy foods anymore, they always prefer fast food which contains those ingredients which are forbidden in fasting (especially meat). So, on fasting time it's more a detox diet, getting your body healthier and your mind sharper. Not all the people will understand the true meaning of fasting. Some say "everybody does it, so you should do", some use it for cleaning their body...and believe it or not some think fasting will make God give them some of the things they want. At my side of the world, some women are fasting thinking God will give them a very good husband. Weird mentalities. Different people, different mentality anyway, nobody can change that. Personal oppinion is that fasting is good for having a better mind, soul and body.
2007-08-03 15:12:40 · answer #5 · answered by DreamGirl 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As you know, fasting is done Traditionally, at traditional times.
WHAT Jesus did was the Ultimate sacrifice. If you choose to honor your faith the way your faith asks you to, be proud in doing so.
Mom's point was pretty weak, but essentially correct...which is why everyone should be thankful he didn't jump off a bridge.
Sorry for the crass humor....but that's something MY mom always said, lol.
2007-08-11 11:15:27 · answer #6 · answered by imrt70 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should fast if you to put everything away & dedicate all your attention to God & Gods Word. This is fasting more than food. But also TV, Computer, etc...
Fasting is just dedicating your time just to God in prayer & hearing God & studying Gods Word.
It doesn't mean to turn off your AC. The AC can still be going because that isn't going to take your attention away from God.
2007-08-03 15:06:38 · answer #7 · answered by t_a_m_i_l 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Acts 13:4 and 14:23, Believers normally fast in prayer for someone or something, Fasting is not intended to punish your flesh, but to focus on God
And as a previous answerer said....it should be something you feel led to do
2007-08-03 15:05:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Matthew 6, 16-18
Fasting is a means of purification. Jesus asked us to be humble, meek and pure. Fasting is a cleansing ritual.
2007-08-11 01:15:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well let me first state that Jesus said that we should fast. Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Notice that it does not say if you fast it says when you fast.
2007-08-10 05:07:13 · answer #10 · answered by cowboy_christian_fellowship 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fasting can have many purposes. We can overcome weaknesses or problems by fasting and praying. Sometimes we may wish to fast and pray for help or guidance for others, such as a family member who is ill and needs a blessing. Through fasting we can come to know the truth of things just
We can fast for our friends to become converted to the truth. Fasting can help comfort us in times of sorrow and mourning. Fasting can help us become humble and feel closer to our Heavenly Father.
Our purpose in fasting should not be to impress others.
2007-08-03 15:05:33 · answer #11 · answered by Isolde 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋