As the 40 days leading up to Easter called Lent has begun, millions around the world choose to celebrate it by going on a journey of self-reflection, discipline, and spiritual growth. It is a symbolic opportunity to engage in sacrifice and renewal. Each year, its participants wonder what to give up. Often, it is food-related like sweets, bread, meat, etc. These are some different ideas to consider that can start anytime and should continue not only for 40 days but through our lifetime.
Give up despair … become hopeful. The Lord himself will lead you and be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you, so do not lose courage or be afraid (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Give up harsh judgments … think kindly thoughts. Do not judge others, and God will not judge you; do not condemn others, and God will not condemn you; forgive others, and God will forgive you (Luke 6:37).
Give up worry … trust Divine Providence. This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn’t life worth more than food? And isn’t the body worth more than clothes? (Matthew 6:25).
Give up bitterness … turn to forgiveness. Get rid of all bitterness, passion and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort (Ephesians 4:31).
Give up hatred … return good for evil. If we say that we are in the light, yet hate others, we are in the darkness to this very hour (1 John 2:9).
Give up negativism … be positive. For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who among us hopes for something we see? (Romans 8:24)
Give up anger … be more patient. Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace (Proverbs 15:18).
Give up pettiness … become mature. When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am an adult, I have no more use for childish ways (Colossians 13:11).
Give up gloom … enjoy the beauty that is all around you. Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ (Ephesians 4:32).
Give up jealousy … pray for trust. We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another (Galatians 5:26).
Give up gossiping … control your tongue. Then keep from speaking evil and from telling lies (Psalm 34:13).
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