Fasting: Chrysostom on Fasting from Sin

John Chrysostom preached powerfully against fasting that is divorced from moral transformation. He declared: "Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him. If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye, and the ear, and the feet, and the hands, and all the members of the body. Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice. Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful."

Chrysostom taught that a comprehensive fast involves the whole person, not just the stomach. Fasting from food while indulging in gossip, anger, or lust is worse than useless -- it produces spiritual pride without spiritual growth.

Practical application: During your next fast, identify one non-food indulgence to fast from simultaneously: complaining, scrolling social media, criticizing others, or watching entertainment. Chrysostom teaches that the fast from food is a training ground for fasting from everything that hinders your spiritual growth.