Lent is one of the most important seasons in the Christian year. A 40-day period (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter, it begins on Ash Wednesday and ends three days before Easter Sunday. Lent is a time when Christians focus on the sacrifice Jesus made for us all. We remember the events that led up to the crucifixion and resurrection, and we turn inward in looking at the ways we personally can become more Christlike. This is why many people give up something for Lent. While many people do “take on” something for Lent, giving up something often becomes an act of solidarity with Jesus, who suffered an agonizing death in order to ensure our salvation.
It’s also a way to eliminate bad habits or idols in our lives that put a wall between the Lord and us, such as depending on coffee, alcohol, or technology instead of God. With all the focus on giving up something for Lent, it begs the question: Does the Bible mention what to give up for Lent? The answer is no, not specifically, though the idea is rooted in Scripture.
While Scripture doesn’t give a specific list, it does offer clear guidance on fasting, surrender, and spiritual focus—helping believers approach Lent with purpose rather than pressure.
Lent in the Bible
To the surprise of many Christians, the concept of Lent is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. But the concepts embraced during Lent are very biblical — self-discipline, self-denial, and self-examination, all in an effort to repent of our sins and grow closer to the Lord as we get ready for Easter.
Lent is celebrated all over the world by many types of Christians, though not all Christians participate. Roman Catholics celebrate it, as do Protestants such as Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, Anglicans, and Lutherans. Traditions include prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and special church services.
Does the Bible Mention What to Give Up for Lent?
The idea of giving up something for Lent is based on Luke 9:23. Shortly after Peter identified Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus predicted his death to the disciples, though they did not seem to understand.
As the Gospel of Luke recounts, Jesus told them what he would need to endure, as well as the self-denial and risk they, too, must experience as his followers.
As he told them, “’ The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.’ Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it” (Luke 9:22-24).
That concept — of denying themselves, taking up their cross daily, and following him — is the basis of Lent. When we sacrifice something personal, we feel that pinch and remember anew the suffering all children of God experience.
But Lent is more than self-denial. It’s also a time when we work to become more Christlike in our lives. We look at areas that might be slippery slopes to other, deeper-rooted sins.
Is Lent a Way of ‘Earning’ Our Salvation?
No, Lent is not a way of earning our salvation. We know our salvation is entirely dependent on God’s mercy. It’s a generous gift we don’t deserve, and there is nothing we can do to receive this gift.
We cannot possibly be good enough or smart enough or kind enough to achieve salvation, nor can we follow all the rules of living sin-free perfectly enough, for we are imperfect creatures. But it’s important in our journey as disciples for us to strive to be like Jesus. He is our role model, our head, and our Savior. The process of becoming more Christ-like is called sanctification, and it is a good and righteous thing. There’s a passage in the Apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy that captures the idea of this. As Paul writes,
"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." - 2 Timothy 2:20-21
Paul is talking here about sanctification, becoming more holy. It’s also the basis of 2 Corinthians 5:17, which reminds us that we are “new creations” in Christ.
Are We Required to Observe Lent?
Christians are not required to observe Lent. The only thing we must do to receive salvation is to believe that Jesus Christ is our savior and repent of our sins. Ephesians 2:8 tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” But participating in Lent, like any other thing we do to draw closer to God and become a deeper and stronger disciple, is a good thing.
It’s important to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ and the way he lived his earthly life. It’s important to do what we can every day to draw closer to God and align our ways with God’s ways.
What Are Good Things to Give Up for Lent?
We should give up something that is meaningful to us, and this looks different for everyone. For instance, it’s not much of a sacrifice to give up coffee for someone who doesn’t drink coffee regularly. But for a person who relies on coffee to power through a long workday? Coffee might be an excellent thing to give up.
If you’re wondering what to give up for Lent, consider choosing something that helps redirect your focus back to God:
- Social media or screen time (replace with prayer or Scripture)
- Complaining (practice gratitude: Philippians 2:14)
- Busyness (create quiet time with God: Psalm 46:10)
- Comfort habits, like fast food or Netflix binging (depend more on God: Matthew 4:4)
The goal isn’t just giving something up—it’s drawing closer to God.
Is Lent in the Bible?
Lent itself is not mentioned in Scripture, but the practices associated with it—like fasting and repentance—are biblical. Themes of Lenten practices — self-denial, fasting, repentance, giving to the poor — are found throughout Scripture (Romans 12:1; Matthew 10:39; Nehemiah 1:4; Joel 2:12; Matthew 4:17; Acts 3:19; Luke 6:38; Proverbs 19:17).
Do Christians Have to Give Something Up for Lent?
No, it’s a personal decision, not a biblical requirement. Whether you give up something for Lent or take on something new (such as a deeper daily prayer ritual or a devotional practice), consider observing Lent this year in a way that matters to you personally.
What Is the Purpose of Giving Something Up?
To remove distractions and focus more fully on God. Faith is personal — just as Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was personal. God bless you this Lenten season.
For further reading:
How Did Jesus Model Lent for Us in the Bible?
How Long Does Lent Last?
5 Unique Ideas of What to Give Up for Lent This Year
Is Lent Really in the Bible?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Liudmila Chernetska
Learn more about the meaning and significance behind the Easter holiday and Holy Week celebrations:
What is Lent? and When Does Lent Start?
What is Ash Wednesday? and When is Ash Wednesday?
What is Palm Sunday?
What is Maundy Thursday?
What is Good Friday? and When is Good Friday?
What is Holy Saturday?
What is Easter? and When is Easter Sunday?
Easter Bible Verses
The Resurrection of Jesus
Easter Prayers
