Fasting without repentance is meaningless, Christians told

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Christians have been urged to recognise that fasting during Lent is about repentance and spiritual renewal, not merely abstaining from food and drink.

"Some Christians fast for something they like, eating meat, Alcohol, Matooke and other things, but I want to teach you, repentance is what is important in this Lent period,” said pastor Joshua Byabasaijja Amooti of Voice of Peace Narrow Gate’s International Church Ministries.

Byabasaijja called on believers in the Bunyoro region to prioritise repentance, describing it as essential for reconciliation with Jesus Christ during the Lenten season.

He delivered the advice while preaching to hundreds of Christians during service on Sunday (February 22) at his church in Kyedikyo cell, Hoima West division, Hoima city.

He noted that fasting is not simply about denying oneself food, drinks and other earthly pleasures, but rather a period for Christians to repent of their sins and renew their relationship with God.

Quoting Matthew 3:1–10 during his sermon, Pastor Byabasaijja said there is a need for Christians to turn away from sins such as jealousy, hatred, witchcraft, theft and corruption in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

He assured Christians that God is ready to answer their prayers and perform miracles in their lives once they repent and do what God requires of them.

“This fasting was for Jesus, and he was fasting to overcome Satan so that we can be free from the bondage of the devil. If you fast food and drinks without doing what God requires us as Christians and remain unremorseful, you will have wasted your time and made yourself hungry for nothing,” he said.