12 Reasons Why Fasting is so Important in Animal Welfare

12 Reasons Why Fasting is so Important in Animal Welfare

By Marcello Newall

1) Because of the nature of the original transgression

 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Genesis 3:6

2) Because it’s the way Jesus overcame the devil

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Mark 4:1-4

3) Because a large amount of animal cruelty and environmental destruction present in the world today is caused by our food choices

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God
Luke 12:6

4) Because some demons, and evils, come out only with prayer and fasting

“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:21

5) Because the early church fasted

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:3
6) Because Jesus expected his followers to fast

“When you fast…” Matthew 6:16
“But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.” Mark 2:20

7) To help fight against gluttony

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Philippians 3:18-19

8) To contrast with the incredible apathy towards animal cruelty of those around us

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

9) To help enforce Christ’s victory on the Cross in creation

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the Cross. Colossians 2:15

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13

10) Because we literally hunger and thirst for righteousness

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6

11) Because our true food should be to do the will of the Father

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish his work.”
John 4:34

12) In hope of the coming of the Kingdom of God

They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:6

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:4-5