02/14/2024
"Is it a sin for Christians to observe Lent?"
Should Christians refuse to observe Lent (fasting, moderation, self-denial)? Are we foolish to participate in or allow our children to participate in Lent? Like most decisions in life, it's wise to be informed and prayerful before acting. Let's take this opportunity to love, learn, and grow together.
Established in the fourth century, Lent is one of the oldest observations on the Christian Calendar. Lent is a forty-day (excluding Sundays) period of prayer, reflection, fasting, and abstinence in observance of the forty days Jesus fasted in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry (Matthew 4:1-13). Lent begins with Ash Wednesday (2/14) and ends with Easter Sunday (3/31). During Lent, participants eat sparingly or abstain from a specific food or habit. Like most Christian holy days (holidays), Lent has changed over the years; still, its purpose remains the same: a period of self-examination and repentance, self-denial, in preparation for Easter.
Some believe giving up something for Lent is a way to attain God's blessing. The Bible teaches that grace is "the gift of righteousness"; it cannot be earned (Romans 5:17). While some outwardly declare and or demonstrate their Lenten sacrifice, Jesus taught that fasting should be done discreetly:
"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:16-18 ESV
While self-control, moderation, and repentance (fasting) are all good things (Proverbs 25:28, Galatians 5:19-25, 1 Corinthians 6:12, Acts 3:19), they are not means to earn God's love. These acts of consecration help draw Christians closer to an already loving God. Loving, praying for, forgiving, and serving others; repentance, gratitude, self-control, and moderation aren't just deeds to be done. They're not "to-do's" on a checklist; they are intentional lifestyle choices that Christians strive toward, not just during Lent or other holidays but each day of the year.
Search the Bible from front to back, and you will not find "Lent". Because the Bible does not mention Lent and other holidays, some Christians abstain from observing them. Some Christians observe Lent and other holidays with reverence for Biblical fundamentals. Is it a sin for Christians to observe Lent? - No. With our freedom as Christians, we are at liberty to decide whether or not to observe. Whether or not to observe holidays is a decision between the individual and God. If a Christian chooses to observe Lent, their attitude, attire, and actions should be worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27). If a Christian chooses not to observe Lent, their attitude, attire, and actions should be worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Regardless of our choice, we mustn't allow our convictions about a holiday to be a cause for pride or division in the body of Christ, nor can we use our freedom to cause others to stumble in their faith. Regardless of our own choice, we must exemplify the principles in Romans 14. We must do all things as to the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
The Lenten Season will find me with the same attitude and actions I choose every other day of the year. I will be loving, honoring, and glorifying God. I will be loving, serving, learning, and growing with my loved ones, and yes, this includes you! Whether or not you observe Lent, know that God loves you, and so do I. Anen 🙏🏻
God bless. ❤
