{"id":22760,"date":"2026-03-11T13:34:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T13:34:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gpbookstore.org\/articles\/uncategorized\/the-reward-for-giving-up-something-for-lent\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T06:14:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T06:14:54","slug":"the-reward-for-giving-up-something-for-lent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gpbookstore.org\/articles\/positive-living\/the-reward-for-giving-up-something-for-lent\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Give Up for Lent: 15 Meaningful Suggestions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every year when Lent<\/a> rolls around I go ahead and launch into giving up something for 40 days. No, I won\u2019t tell you what I\u2019m going to try to give up because that would be bragging about being humble, which seems to go against the whole meaning of Lent<\/a>. Suffice it to say, I\u2019ll try.<\/p>\n

Why Give Something Up for Lent?<\/h3>\n

The practice of giving something up for Lent originated in the Biblical story of Jesus going into the wilderness for 40 days and resisting temptation.<\/strong> This period of time was necessary for Jesus before He could begin his ministry.<\/p>\n

I know people who use Lent to give up bad mental habits. One year my wife, Carol, declared that she\u2019d give up worrying for 40 days. (Our friend said that would be like Fred Astaire giving up his tap shoes.) I\u2019d be all for getting rid of fear and sloth and self-absorption for six and a half weeks. That would be some accomplishment. But then I\u2019m always trying to tackle those demons.<\/p>\n

I actually believe in giving up something material. It\u2019s not about health, although I suppose there might be some health benefits to what I do. It\u2019s about remembering that I am All Too Human and that I don\u2019t really have to be a slave to the cookies at lunch or the chocolate bar in my desk drawer.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: 5 Spiritual Benefits of Fasting<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The Meaning of Giving Something Up for Lent<\/h3>\n

The reason we give something up for the 40 days of Lent is because it is a spiritual discipline.<\/strong> It\u2019s a way of saying to God, \u201cI know I\u2019m a physical being with natural wants and desires but you\u2019ve also made me a spiritual being with wants and desires that you are ready to satisfy.\u201d When that urge for the thing I\u2019ve given up for Lent comes\u2014as it surely will\u2014I remind myself of what\u2019s most important in my life.<\/p>\n

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How to Give Something Up for Lent<\/h3>\n

It can be tough to stick with your Lent fast. Giving something up for 40 days (not including Sundays<\/a>) is no small task. You might find yourself slipping without even realizing it. You committed to not doomscrolling, but here you are reaching for your phone. You said you wouldn\u2019t complain, but soon you find yourself venting about your day to your friend. Stumbling during the Lent season is normal, but there are steps we can take to stay committed to giving up what we said we would. Here are a few suggestions:<\/p>\n