Close

How to Know God

Do you ever wonder what Christians believe? Who Jesus is, what he did and why it matters? Get answers to these questions and more.

Spiritual Growth

Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth.

Life & Relationships

Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God.

Bible Studies

Find resources for personal or group Bible study.

Share the Gospel

Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus.

Help Others Grow

Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring.

Leadership Training

Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are.

Video

Browse videos designed to help you grow spiritually, share your faith, and lead others well.

Languages

View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages.

Quizzes

Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others.

Campus

Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others.

City

Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city.

Inner City

Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs.

Athletes

Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation.

Families

Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage.

High School

Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school.

Military

Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide.

Locate Cru Near You

Explore Cru's global presence and discover how you can get involved in communities worldwide.

More

Events

Whether you're interested in conferences or local gatherings, there's an opportunity for you. Explore upcoming events and find your place to serve and grow.

Mission Trips

Explore domestic and global mission trips with Cru—serve, grow, and make an eternal impact. Opportunities for students, families, and professionals.

Internships

Explore Cru's internship opportunities—serve globally or locally, develop your skills, and make an eternal impact. Apply today!

Careers

Explore full- and part-time ministry careers with Cru—use your skills to impact eternity. Apply today!

Volunteer

Explore volunteer opportunities with Cru and use your skills to impact lives for eternity.

International

Explore global mission opportunities with Cru—serve, grow, and make an eternal impact.

What We Do

How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus.

Donor Relations

Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Cru’s annual report and more.

Statement of Faith

What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation.

Our Leadership

Learn about Cru's global leadership team.

Cru Partnerships

When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen.

Values

Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit.

Storylines

Showing God in action in and through His people.

Press

Access Cru's latest news releases, media contacts, and background information on our global ministries and leadership.

Contact Us

mailto:Donation.Services@cru.org

Dealing With the Responses of Friends and Loved Ones

Dr. Bill Bright

How to Fast

  1. Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer
  2. Why You Should Fast
  3. How to Fast Safely
  4. What Length and Type of Fast Are Right for You
  5. How to Prepare Yourself Spiritually and Physically
  6. How to Manage Your Schedule While Fasting
  7. Dealing With the Responses of Friends and Loved Ones
  8. How to Make Your Spiritual Experience the Best It Can Be
  9. How to Maintain Nutritional Balance and Health From Beginning to End
  10. What Physical Effects to Expect
  11. How to Finish Your Fast in a Healthy Way

Many people are reluctant to tell others that they are fasting because they want to avoid the sin of the Pharisees: fasting just to gain recognition for themselves.

I strongly believe that attitude is a result of a wrong interpretation of Jesus’ teaching, “that your fasting may not be seen by others” (Matthew 6:18, English Standard Version). His point is about avoiding self-praise, not total secrecy. Our misguided silence can be a trick of the enemy, who does not want us to fast or to share with loved ones and friends the benefits of fasting.

By isolating ourselves from the support of other Christians, we will be more susceptible to doubts and negative influences. We need the prayers of our Christian friends and family members to help us continue when we feel alone and when the enemy tempts us to give up. 

Eventually, people will notice you are not eating. However, I have found that unless you see certain people daily, they do not consider your skipped meal much of a concern. If you are asked, someone who does not follow Christ may be satisfied by such a brief answer as, “I have other plans for lunch today.” Christians should be satisfied when you answer that you are fasting.

If friends and family express concern for your health, ease their fears by telling them that you will stop fasting the moment you feel you are harming your body or if the Lord leads you to end your fast. Tell them you are fasting under your doctor’s care, which I urge you to do if you have any questions concerning your health.

There is usually no reason for telling strangers or casual acquaintances that you are fasting. If you do, they may subject you to a lot of questions that you may not want to answer. But in any case, use your best judgment and the Lord’s leading in telling people about your fast.

Next: Making Your Spiritual Experience the Best it Can Be

Previous Next