It is important for a believer addicted to smoking to know if it is okay to smoke while fasting. This issue must be considered from several sides, as it has its pitfalls.
Is smoking a sin if it is not clearly stated in the Bible? And is fasting worth it if you can't quit this addiction? These and other worrisome issues are worth clarifying.
Smoking: sin or not?
Many people wrongly claim that smoking is not a sin, because there is no clear indication of this in the Bible. The fact is that smoking, like gluttony, drunkenness, luxury, is the most common bodily passion. But the holy fathers interpret the concept of passion as a spiritual disease, which is a stumbling block for the salvation of the human soul. Smoking also develops other vices in the human soul. Then, selfishness begins to manifest itself in a rude way. Parents who smoke in the presence of their children do not think about the damage they cause to their health. And furthermore, they are involuntarily accustomed to this pernicious affair. In this case, parents act not only against the Christian conscience, but also against the rules of human morality.
The conclusion suggests itself: smoking is a soul-destroying sin. It is all the more sinful to smoke during Lent, because this period is considered the most favorable for cleansing the body. By the way, smoking is a sin also because it has a detrimental effect on health. The Bible says that health, like life, is given to us by God as a gift. And a person does not have the moral right to independently shorten his life with addictions. A person who smokes does not realize that he is damaging not only his own health, but also the health of those around him.
Smoking is followed by another sin: self-justification. There is probably not a single smoker who does not try to justify his pernicious passion. The phrase "If I want to, I can easily quit smoking, but now I don't see the point of this" was said by all smokers. This is self-deception by a weak-willed person who is ashamed to admit that he is really addicted to tobacco. All attempts to justify smoking seem extremely pathetic compared to the information available to medicine:
- The composition of tobacco contains a strong nicotine poison (about 2%). By the way, nicotine sulfate is often used in the agricultural sector to destroy pests.
- During smoking, nicotine enters the body and then begins to penetrate the brain.
- People who smoke for several years begin to notice a deterioration in their health. This is due to the fact that nicotine poison eventually finds a weak link in the body and causes serious illness.
- Scientists have shown that nicotine contains a large number of cancer-causing carcinogens.
- Radioactive substances in the composition of tobacco inflict a strong blow to health.
This is just a short list of the downsides of smoking, and other equally serious problems follow. Smoking also leads to divorce, because this is an undoubted blow to the family budget, which means constant scandals. In such disputes, a smoker cannot properly control his emotions, which leads to a terrible vocabulary and even assault.
Is fasting a good time to quit smoking?
It is silly to ask if you can smoke during the fasting period, because it is this time that can serve as the most important reason for quitting.
A person must fight against all sinful tendencies, especially when it comes to his health. Perhaps it is the time of the fast that becomes a real opportunity for you to say goodbye to this bad habit.
Of course, everyone understands that long-term smokers will find it extremely difficult to quit.
If your willpower allows it and you can quit in an instant, this, of course, is to be commended. But not everyone will be able to take that step. For many, a gradual approach to this difficult issue is more appropriate.
How to stop smoking during Lent?
The fasting time is a fertile time to take action. It is time for you to do it. This sinful habit takes place even in the popular saying: "Smoking - to hell for incense. "If you do not stop smoking while fasting, then everything else, in principle, will no longer make any sense. How can fasting be considered valid if a person does not give up his greatest addiction? Of course, no.
The best help in the fight against smoking is orthodox prayer. A miraculous prayer before God awakens the conscience to take harsh measures against oneself.
Great Lent is a blessed time when, through the sacrament of communion, a person unites with the Lord through prayer. God gives you strength and health for new actions. Read a prayer, talk to a priest about the sinfulness of smoking, go to communion, and you yourself will want to say goodbye to this addiction.
Many people advise quitting smoking on the last day before the beginning of Lent. The bottom line is this: smoke at night and, before going to bed, put an empty pack of cigarettes on the next table and next to it a note: "I have not smoked since today. "You can also place an empty matchbox or used lighter next to it. On the one hand, this is a fun remedy, but on the other, it is very effective. Thanks to this method, thousands of people quit smoking.
No matter which way you choose to quit smoking, the main thing is to believe in yourself and in the Lord.
It will give you strength and help you quit smoking.
Unfortunately, most believers give up this disgusting habit only during fasting, and then start smoking again. But as they say, everything starts small. Perhaps this is your small step towards a great business. Think: if you managed not to smoke during the fasting period, will you not finally be able to say goodbye to the painful poison that eats away at your soul and body?
In addition, clergy are advised to confess regularly. He couldn't help himself and smoked a cigarette: repent, ask your spiritual mentor for advice. Priests sometimes impose penances on smokers. These are special prayer rules. For example, if you want to quit smoking, read the canon of repentance to Jesus Christ daily during the fast. This method acts as a psychological scenario. Be that as it may, it also helps a lot.
In any case, never give in to discouragement. Scripture says, "Ask and you will receive. "If you believe, pray, and ask God for help, you can quit smoking once and for all and truly enjoy life.