What Is Lent?

Lent is a sacred season traditionally observed during the 40 days leading up to Easter, beginning on March 5th of this year.  It is modeled after Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, as recorded in Matthew 4:1–11 and Luke 4:1–13. The Lenten season is a time set apart for reflection, repentance, and renewal. It is a season to prepare our hearts to walk with Christ to the cross and then to rejoice with Him in the glory of His resurrection. While Scripture does not command the observance of Lent (neither does it command the observance of Christmas or Easter), it has been embraced by many Christians, as a way to intentionally focus on the gospel during this time of year.

Lent has its roots in the early church, where it began as a period of preparation for new believers who would be baptized on Easter Sunday. Over the centuries, it grew into a time of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection for all believers and by the fourth century, it had become a structured season of self-examination and repentance.

At its heart, Lent is an invitation to draw nearer to Jesus. It beckons us to reflect on the incredible love displayed in His sacrificial death for sinners and to meditate on the victory He won over sin and death through His resurrection. This season encourages us to consider the depth of our need for His saving grace and to renew our gratitude for His boundless mercy.

Lent also offers a beautiful opportunity for self-examination and repentance, which are not burdensome tasks but life-giving practices. In turning from sin and turning to Christ, we are reminded of the joy of salvation, as David prayed in Psalm 51:12: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” This season is about spiritual renewal, a fresh commitment to walk in step with the Holy Spirit, and a deepened awareness of God’s presence in our daily lives.

During Lent, many Christians embrace spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, giving to those in need, and immersing themselves in Scripture. These practices are not ends in themselves but are tools that help us realign our hearts with God and cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on His grace. While not every believer observes Lent, those who do often find it to be a season of great spiritual growth, a time to reset and refocus on what matters most: Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, Lent is about remembering that Christ’s suffering and death accomplished our redemption, and His resurrection guarantees our hope of eternal life. It is a season of preparation and anticipation, leading us to the triumph of Easter Sunday. More than anything, Lent invites us to marvel at God’s grace and love and to rejoice in the new life we have in Him.

Observing Lent Well

As we enter the season of Lent, let our hearts be filled with the desire to draw closer to Christ. This is not a time to merely go through the motions or check off spiritual boxes, but a season to encounter the living God in meaningful ways. Practices like prayer, fasting, and meditating on Scripture are not meant to be routine or ritualistic, but pathways to knowing Jesus more deeply. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:10, “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” let this become the prayer of our hearts throughout Lent.

Lent is an opportunity to take an honest look at ourselves, acknowledging our need for God’s grace and mercy. It is a time to humbly confess our sins, but not with despair or hopelessness, because in Christ, forgiveness has already been secured. Repentance during Lent is a joyous act, for it reminds us that we are forgiven and loved, and that God’s Spirit is at work transforming us to be more like Jesus. Psalm 51:12 beautifully captures this hope: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” Let this season renew your joy in the Lord.

For many, Lent involves fasting or giving up something as an act of self-denial. While this can be a valuable spiritual practice, it is important to approach it with purpose. What we “give up” should point us to what we take up: prayer, worship, serving others, or meditating on God’s Word. For example, if you fast from a meal, use that time to pray for a friend or reflect on Scripture. If you step away from social media, fill that space with intentional acts of encouragement or time spent in God’s creation. The goal is not simply to remove distractions but to create space for God to fill.

Lent is also a season of giving of ourselves in service to others. Isaiah 58:6–7 reminds us that true fasting involves acts of compassion and mercy: feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, and standing up for the oppressed. As we consider Christ’s sacrifice for us, let us look for ways to share His love with those around us, whether through acts of kindness, generosity, or simple words of encouragement. These actions not only bless others but also deepen our understanding of God’s heart.

While Lent carries a solemn tone, it is also a season of hope and joy. As we reflect on the cost of our redemption, we are simultaneously filled with gratitude for the victory of the resurrection. Let this anticipation of Easter morning fill your heart with a quiet, confident joy. The cross is not the end of the story. Christ is risen, and because He lives, we have hope.

Avoiding Pitfalls in Observing Lent

As meaningful as Lent can be, it is important to approach it with the right heart. Lent is not a requirement of the Christian faith, nor is it a way to earn God’s favor. Our standing before God rests entirely on Christ’s finished work, not our fasting or spiritual practices. Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that we are saved by grace, not by works, and this truth should guard us against any sense of legalism during Lent.

We must also guard against pride or judgment. It can be tempting to compare ourselves to others or to view our participation in Lent as a mark of spiritual maturity. But Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:16–18 remind us that fasting and other practices should be done humbly and privately, for God alone. Lent is a personal journey of faith, and it is not for us to critique how others choose (or choose not) to observe it.

Lent is not about outward appearances or empty gestures. Giving up chocolate or social media might be a helpful discipline, but only if it leads us closer to God. Hosea 6:6 says, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” Let this guide your heart. Ask yourself, “Is this practice drawing me closer to Christ?” If it isn’t, prayerfully reconsider your approach.

Finally, Lent should never overshadow the good news of the gospel. If our observance of Lent leaves us burdened or focused on our own efforts, we may be missing the point. Lent is meant to magnify the finished work of Jesus, who declared on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Rest in His victory, and let your observance of Lent lead you to greater worship and gratitude.

Lent, when observed with a heart focused on Christ, is a gift. It is a time to slow down, recalibrate our hearts, and prepare for the glory of Easter morning. My prayer for you is that this Lent will be a season of renewal, where you experience the depth of Christ’s love in new ways and are filled with the hope of His resurrection. May this be a time of joy, gratitude, and growing intimacy with the Lord.