It is important for a believer who is addicted to smoking to know if smoking is allowed while fasting. This problem has to be considered by many, as it has its pitfalls.
Is smoking a sin if it is not clearly stated in the Bible? And is it worth fasting if you can't give up on this addiction? These and other troubling issues are worth shedding light on.
Smoking: sin or not?
Many people mistakenly claim that smoking is not a sin, because there is no clear indication of this in the Bible. The fact is that smoking, like greed, drunkenness, luxury, is the most common bodily passion. But the holy fathers interpret the concept of passion as a spiritual disease, which constitutes a stumbling block for the salvation of the human soul. Smoking also develops other vices in the human soul. Hence, selfishness begins to manifest itself rudely. Parents who smoke in the presence of their children do not think about the damage they do to their health. And besides, they unwittingly get them used to this pernicious business. In this case the parents act not only against the Christian conscience, but also against the rules of human morality.
The conclusion suggests itself: Smoking is a sin that destroys your soul. 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 also a shame because it has a detrimental effect on health. The Bible says that health, like life, is given to us as a gift from God. 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 harming 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 wouldn't try to justify his pernicious passion. The phrase "If I want, I can easily quit smoking, but now I don't see the point" has been said by every smoker. This is a self-deception of a strong-willed person who is ashamed to admit to himself that he is really addicted to smoking. All attempts to justify smoking seem extremely pathetic compared to the information available to medicine:
- The composition of the tobacco contains a strong poisonous nicotine (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 enter the brain.
- People who have been smoking for several years begin to notice a deterioration in their health. This is due to the fact that the poison of nicotine eventually finds a weak link in the body and causes a serious illness.
- Scientists have shown that nicotine contains a large number of cancer-causing carcinogens.
- Radioactive substances in the composition of tobacco deal a severe blow to health.
This is just a short list of the disadvantages 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 continuous scandals. In such quarrels, a smoker cannot adequately control his emotions, which leads to a terrible vocabulary and even aggression.
Is fasting a good time to quit smoking?
It is silly to ask if you can smoke during the fasting period, because this time may be the most important reason to quit smoking.
A person has to fight against all sinful tendencies, especially when it comes to your health. Maybe it's time for fasting that will become a real opportunity for you to say goodbye to this bad habit.
Of course, everyone understands that people who have been smoking for a long time will find it extremely difficult to give up cigarettes.
If your willpower permits and you can quit smoking in an instant, this, of course, deserves praise. But not everyone will be able to take such a step. For many, a gradual approach to this difficult question is more suitable.
How to quit smoking during Lent?
Fasting time is a fertile time for action. It is time for you to do it. This sinful habit also occurs in the popular saying: "Smoking - to hell with incense". If you do not quit smoking while fasting, 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? Obviously not.
The best aid 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 is united with the Lord through prayer. God gives him 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 recommend quitting smoking on the last day before the start of Lent. The bottom line is this: smoke in the evening, and before you go to bed, put an empty pack of cigarettes on the table next to you and a "I don't smoke from today" note next to it. 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 how you choose to quit smoking, the important thing is to believe in yourself and the Lord.
It will give you strength and help you quit smoking.
Unfortunately, most believers give up this hateful habit only during fasting, after which they start smoking again. But as they say, it all starts small. Maybe this will be your small step towards a big business. Think: if you managed not to smoke during the fasting period, can't you finally say goodbye to the painful poison that devours your soul and body?
In addition, the clergy are advised to go to confession regularly. You couldn't hold back 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 while fasting daily. This method acts as a psychological environment. Be that as it may, it helps a lot too.
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.