Many people choose to give up something in order to deepen their daily spiritual practice during Lent. Lent, the 40 days before Easter (technically 46 because Sundays are not counted), is a time when Christians focus on Jesus’ death and sacrifice. It is a somber time yet also a time of celebration in the sense that Christians remember and realize the importance of the great gift we have been given. Here are 50 things you could give up for Lent this year, and in return you will gain so much more.
Why Do Christians Give Up Something for Lent?
Typically Lent has been a time of fasting and self-denial, especially in Catholic traditions. It is important to note that fasting or other traditions do not earn you extra blessings from God. Romans 5:17 says, “For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.”
Grace is a free gift through Jesus. You do not earn God’s good favor.
The Bible also says that fasting should be done privately. Matthew 6:16-18 says, “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.”
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is between you and God.
50 Things You Could Give Up for Lent This Year
Here are 50 things you could give for lent this year.
- Meat
- Fast food
- TV viewing
- Elevators
- Swearing
- Sugar
- Social Media
- Shopping
- Snooze Button
- Texting
- Coffee
- Caffeine
- Make-Up
- Warm Showers
- Debt
- French Fries
- Cell phone
- Gossip
- Working overtime
- White lies
- Last bite
- Junk food
- Complaining
- Music in the car
- Chocolate
- Snacking
- Being late
- Arguments
- Taking credit
- Hurtful words
- Movies
- Artificial sweeteners
- Bragging
- Going first
- Plastic bags
- Bottled water
- Clutter
- Starbucks
- Cookies
- Candy
- Holding grudges
- Road rage
- Iphone apps
- The last word
- Procrastination
- Alcohol
- Sarcasm
- Smoking
- Soda
Have you given up something for Lent in the past? Will you give up something for Lent this year?
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Hi Sara, I love your post, this year my mom and I decided to give up Meat and Facebook. I hope and I’m sure this will inspire more people to take their spirituality more serious. Serving god is not just prayer, but work as well and we do that work through obedience, ministry, fasting to name a few. Thanks for your encouragement. God Bless!
The verse about doing this for God, and not so other people will see my sacrifice, really hit me. I think I’ve been looking at this all wrong. Thank you for posting!
Thanks for the comment. Keegan. Yes, often we see giving up something for Lent as what other people notice but this is really about your relationship with God and how you can grow closer to Him. Blessings!
I have only recently come back to my Faith. I have always believed, but come back to reading my Bible and talking with God.
I am not a Catholic, but feel as though I need to give something up for Lent. Your list has given me much contemplation.
I’m so excited for you, Sharon, to hear of this renewal of your faith. Thanks for reading. I can’t wait to continue to connect with you.
Sara, I love the variety you listed here … from tangible to intangible!
Thank you, Dianne! I appreciate you stopping by and commenting.
Some awesome things on this list. So many come to mind: sweats, clutter, email. Not sure what I will be doing yet, but you’ve given me some great ideas to consider.