“Do not limit the benefit of fasting merely to abstinence from food, for a true fast means refraining from evil. Do not let your fasting lead to wrangling and strife. You do not eat meat, but you devour your brother; you abstain from wine, but not from insults. So all the labor of your fast is useless” [from The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations, compiled by Mark Water (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), p. 358].

St. Ambrose was a fourth-century bishop, perhaps most remembered for his role in St. Augustine’s conversion to Christianity. He is considered one of the Eight Great Doctors (“teachers,” with the word “doctor” being related to “doctrine”) of the early church, so his influence on Christian doctrine is significant. His feast day is December 7.

In the above quote, he confronts the idea that fasting earns God’s favor simply because we gave up food. Instead of abstaining from food and drink, he reminds us that God really wants us to abstain from sin and evil. Whatever our religious activity may be—fasting, prayer, church attendance, listening to religious music—it does us no good if it is not accompanied by repentance, faith, and a life that has been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As many articles on Darkened Glass Reflections in recent months have followed Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, we will look at this subject of fasting and Christian living in more detail in the next week or two when we study Matthew 6:1-6.

Lord Jesus, as we seek to worship You, empower us to live with repentance, faith, and true holiness, seeking to abstain from sin. Make us more like You. Amen.

Do you fast? Do you use it as an opportunity to abstain from things besides food and drinks? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments area below.

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.