I do not believe in coincidence. There's a reason why someone in the bishopric called me and asked me to speak on fasting and fast offerings, which is the title of my talk. Sorry, I don't remember who called me. I have to wonder if giving this talk was more for me than anybody else. It certainly inspired me to fast this last weekend. More about that later.
Fasting has been around since Adam (“Fasts”), and God still wants us to fast (D&C 88:76). Even Jesus Himself fasted (Matthew 4:2; Luke 4:1-4). Granted, God doesn't want us to fast for forty days and nights, but Jesus did, and it's a miracle that He was able to do that. Gospel Principles says that "occasional fasting is good for our bodies and helps our minds become more active" (“Fasting”). What people seem to forget, myself included, is the spiritual aspect. Jesus Himself said that "fasting is more than just going without food and drink" ("Fasting").
The Church dedicates one Sunday a month for fasting of two consecutive meals or 24 hours, starting after the last meal on Saturday and ending with dinner on Sunday (“Law of the Fast and Fast Offerings, The (22.2.2)”). Usually, it's the first Sunday of each month called Fast Sunday, but it can change, usually for General Conference. This is also the day for fast and testimony meeting. People can "strengthen themselves and one another by bearing [their] testimonies" ("Fasting"). Also, remember that fasting can occur at any time.
Allow me a moment to go over some spiritual aspects of fasting ("Fasting"):
Next, fast for a purpose. Here are a few suggestions ("Fasting"):
Elder Shayne M. Bowen also makes the following suggestions:
Elder Bowen also said that "fasting helps us subdue the natural man" (Bowen) and quotes King Benjamin: ". . . The natural man is an enemy to God, always has been, and always will be" (Mosiah 3:19). Fasting creates a spiritual victory over the natural man. Additionally, Elder Bowen talks about what the body does when we fast. The body releases the carbohydrate glycogen from storage areas in the liver and the muscles. Glycogen supplies energy for the body for about 24 hours, then the body uses fat cells to produce ketone bodies, which tells the body it is no longer hungry. After 24 hours, "the body submits to the spirit" (Bowen).
Here's three things not to do when fasting: One, do not fast to impress other people. Two, do not advertise fasting to others. (I wish I read that before telling CaraAnn, my wife, about my fasting this past weekend.) Christ talked about people fasting for these two reasons, and He called them hypocrites (Matthew 6:16-18). Number three, heed the warnings of Joseph F. Smith: Do not overdo it. It is not necessary to fast and pray until one kills themselves. Joseph F. Smith says this next part best (“Fasting and Fast Offerings”):
The Lord can hear a simple prayer, offered in faith, in half a dozen words, and he will recognize fasting that may not continue more than twenty-four hours, just as readily and as effectually as He will answer a prayer of a thousand words and fasting for a month. . . . The Lord will accept that which is enough, with a good deal more pleasure and satisfaction than that which is too much and unnecessary (in Conference Report, Oct. 1912, 133–34).
People can receive the following blessings when fasting ("Fasting"):
Gospel Principles paraphrases Isaiah's promises: "peace, improved health, and spiritual guidance" ("Fasting", Isaiah 58:8-9). Fasting gives us self-control by helping us "control our appetites and passions" ("Fasting"). Fasting is not just for adults. Children can better resist temptations later in life and should not begin fasting until after baptism.
God asks that we give to those in need. Fast offerings are one of many ways to do that. Give the amount equivalent to the cost of the two meals skipped or what one can give. "We become partners with the Lord in administering to the needs of our less-fortunate brothers and sisters" ("Fasting").
Bishops can authorize Aaronic Priesthood holders to go gather fast offerings. This usually occurs in pairs, and they deliver them to the bishopric. It all depends on the safety of the people gathering the fast offerings and is mainly for those that don't normally contribute. However, when picking up fast offerings, people should not include other donations (“Fast Offerings (34.3.2)”).
Fast offerings pay for basic items, like food or clothing; however, fast offerings can pay for housing, utilities, counseling, medical care, or short-term skills training. Also, assistance is temporary, because the goal is to teach self-reliance (“Provide Temporary Assistance for Essential Needs (22.4.2)”). Fast offerings cannot provide debt assistance, including credit cards, personal loans, failed business, and failed investments.
People receiving assistance do not pay it back (“Policies on Using Fast Offerings (22.5.2)”). However, personally, if one feels the necessity to pay it back, do so through future fast offering donations and then do not include that amount when deducting the donation on one's income tax return, if applicable.
I just said that people shouldn't tell other people about fasting; however, I got the feeling that I should share my latest fast last weekend. (Rhyme not intended.) I was born in California, grew up in Cache Valley, Utah, and then lived in Washington for about three decades. I just moved to Jerome, Idaho, on January 6th, and my wife, CaraAnn, arrived this past week. She was in Washington finishing the house, which took far longer than anticipated. This is the next chapter of our lives. My purpose in fasting was for my job search and CaraAnn's safety in arriving here. However, I didn't start it at the usual time after dinner Saturday night. I started it after waking up Sunday morning by praying, because that's when I realized I should fast. Instead of doing other tasks like I normally do, I worked on this talk. Finally, I ended the fast by saying a prayer and a recap as to why I fasted.
I realized the church was true when I read the Book of Mormon during lunch breaks while working graveyard shifts. While I do not recommend reading it at oh-early thirty, it doesn't affect that the book is true. The authors used reformed Egyptian, a language that people wouldn't recognize. Joseph Smith could not write it and meet all the requirements. (See the article "Can You Write the Book of Mormon? A 30 Point Challenge to the Skeptics" by Jeremy Goff.) The First Vision also happened. All because someone wanted to know which church was correct. I believe that fasting gives spiritual benefits that we cannot possibly fathom or recognize, and it's not all about starving for two meals. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Bowen, Shayne M. “Fasting with Power.” Ensign, vol. 38, no. 4, Apr. 2009, p. 64.
“Fast Offerings (34.3.2).” 2020. General Handbook: Serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2nd ed., 2022.
“Fasting.” 1978. Gospel Principles, 3rd ed., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2011.
“Fasting and Fast Offerings.” Gospel Topics.
“Fasts.” 1979. Bible Dictionary, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2013.
General Handbook: Serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 2020. 2022.
Gospel Principles. 1978. 3rd ed., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2011.
“Law of the Fast and Fast Offerings, The (22.2.2).” 2020. General Handbook: Serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2nd ed., 2022.
“Policies on Using Fast Offerings (22.5.2).” 2020. General Handbook: Serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2nd ed., 2022.
“Provide Temporary Assistance for Essential Needs (22.4.2).” 2020. General Handbook: Serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2nd ed., 2022.
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