Fasting

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house and when you see the naked, to cover him."

There is a time to fast. There is also a time to help those who have a need. Fasting helps you see the needs of others. 

Why should you fast? The main reason for fasting is to make your prayers more effective.  

It is a good way to die to yourself and your unchecked desires. It is healing for your soul. To always give ourselves anything we want is greedy. Why not withhold what you want for awhile in order to learn self sacrifice? 

Live more simply so that others can simply live. If you know someone who has a need, share with them. Don't keep all your food and wealth to yourself. Give and it will be given to you. 

It is a hard life though. It is easy to feel that it is every man for himself. This causes us to stay greedy. But what if you loose a lot through being greedy? What if you actually gain through giving. "If anyone wants to save his life he will loose it." 

Why don't you try to put others before yourself? Your life consists of other people who care about you. Consider how they feel. Give of yourself to them. Don't hold back. Humble yourself through fasting so that you can and will serve others better. 

Give and God will give more back to you in other ways. You will not even begin to count all the things God might give to you.