Is fasting required for believers?

Fasting, as a spiritual discipline, has been a part of the Christian tradition since the early days of the Church. It is a practice that involves abstaining from food, and sometimes drink, for a period of time, with the intention of focusing on spiritual growth and seeking God’s presence. While fasting is a significant practice in the Bible, the question of whether it is required for believers today is multifaceted and requires a careful examination of Scripture, historical context, and theological reflection.

The Bible provides numerous examples of fasting. In the Old Testament, Moses fasted for forty days and forty nights when he went up to Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). Similarly, Elijah fasted for forty days and forty nights as he journeyed to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8). In the New Testament, Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2). These examples highlight the importance of fasting as a means of drawing closer to God and preparing for significant spiritual endeavors.

However, the question of whether fasting is required for believers is not explicitly addressed in the Bible. There is no direct commandment that mandates fasting for all Christians. Instead, fasting is presented as a voluntary act of devotion. Jesus, in His teachings, assumed that His followers would fast, but He did not command it. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says, "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, 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 others 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." Here, Jesus uses the phrase "when you fast," which implies that fasting is a common and expected practice among His followers, but He focuses more on the attitude and manner in which it is done rather than making it a requirement.

The early Church also practiced fasting. In Acts 13:2-3, we read about the church in Antioch fasting and praying before sending off Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off." This passage indicates that fasting was an integral part of the early Christian community's spiritual life and decision-making process.

Despite its prevalence in the Bible and early Christian practice, fasting should not be viewed as a legalistic requirement but rather as a spiritual discipline that can enhance one's relationship with God. The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of legalism in Colossians 2:16-17, where he writes, "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ." Paul emphasizes that the external practices, including fasting, are not the essence of our faith. The reality and substance of our faith are found in Christ alone.

Fasting, therefore, should be approached with the right heart and motivation. It is not about earning God's favor or proving one's spirituality. Instead, fasting is a way to humble oneself before God, seek His guidance, and cultivate a deeper dependence on Him. Joel 2:12-13 captures this sentiment well: "Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." The focus here is on genuine repentance and a heartfelt return to God, with fasting being one of the means to express that devotion.

It is also important to recognize that fasting can take different forms and should be adapted to individual circumstances. Some people may have health conditions that prevent them from abstaining from food. In such cases, fasting can be modified to include abstaining from certain types of food, from technology, or from other activities that distract from spiritual focus. The key is the intention behind the fast and the desire to draw nearer to God.

Christian literature also offers valuable insights into the practice of fasting. Richard Foster, in his classic work "Celebration of Discipline," describes fasting as a means of feasting on the Word of God. He writes, "More than any other Discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us. This is a wonderful benefit to the true disciple who longs to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. We cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fasting these things surface. If pride controls us, it will be revealed almost immediately. David writes, 'I humbled my soul with fasting' (Psalm 69:10). Anger, bitterness, jealousy, strife, fear—if they are within us, they will surface during fasting. At first, we will rationalize that our anger is due to our hunger; then we will realize that we are angry because the spirit of anger is within us."

Foster’s perspective underscores the transformative potential of fasting. It is not merely about abstaining from food but about allowing God to reveal and address the deeper issues within our hearts. This process of self-examination and spiritual renewal is a crucial aspect of the Christian journey.

In conclusion, while fasting is not explicitly required for believers, it is a valuable and biblically endorsed practice that can greatly benefit one's spiritual life. It is a voluntary act of devotion that should be undertaken with the right heart and motivation. Fasting provides an opportunity to humble oneself before God, seek His guidance, and cultivate a deeper dependence on Him. It is a means of expressing genuine repentance and a heartfelt return to God. As such, believers are encouraged to consider incorporating fasting into their spiritual disciplines, not as a legalistic requirement, but as a way to grow in their relationship with God and experience His transformative power in their lives.