30 Bible Verses About Lent (With Commentary)

Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter. It is a time for Christians to focus on prayer, fasting, and giving, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and His journey to the cross. While the Bible does not specifically mention Lent, many Scriptures encourage spiritual discipline, repentance, and deepening our relationship with God. These 30 Bible verses provide insight into themes of repentance, sacrifice, and renewal, central to the season of Lent.

Bible Verses About Lent

1. Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Lent is a time to return to God with wholehearted repentance and devotion through fasting and prayer.

2. Matthew 6:16
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting.”

Jesus teaches us that fasting during Lent should be done with humility, not for the approval of others.

3. Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice?”

True fasting in Lent is about aligning our actions with justice, mercy, and helping others.

4. Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

During Lent, we seek God’s cleansing and renewal of our hearts through repentance.

5. 2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face…”

Lent encourages humility, prayer, and seeking God’s face to experience healing and renewal.

6. Matthew 4:1-2
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”

Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness serves as the model for Lent, a time of reflection and preparation.

7. James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts.”

Lent is a time to draw closer to God, purifying our hearts through repentance and reflection.

8. Psalm 69:10
“When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.”

Fasting during Lent can be a personal journey of sacrifice, even when misunderstood by others.

9. Isaiah 1:18
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

Lent reminds us of God’s grace and forgiveness, offering us a fresh start through repentance.

10. Romans 12:1
“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

During Lent, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices in devotion to God.

11. Mark 1:15
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Lent is a season to repent and embrace the gospel, preparing our hearts for the celebration of Easter.

12. Psalm 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”

God desires a heart of true repentance during Lent, more than outward rituals or actions.

13. 1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

Lent is a time to practice humility, trusting that God will lift us up through His grace.

14. Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Lent invites us to examine our priorities and align our hearts with God’s kingdom rather than earthly things.

15. Joel 2:13
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God.”

God desires genuine repentance from our hearts, not just outward displays of sorrow during Lent.

16. Luke 5:32
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Lent reminds us that Jesus calls all of us to repentance and a renewed relationship with Him.

17. Philippians 3:10
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings.”

Lent is an opportunity to reflect on Christ’s suffering and resurrection, deepening our relationship with Him.

18. Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Lent is a season of repentance, bringing us renewal and spiritual refreshment from God.

19. Matthew 6:3-4
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”

Lent encourages us to give generously and selflessly, focusing on helping others without seeking recognition.

20. 2 Corinthians 5:20
“We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

Lent invites us to reconcile with God and restore our relationship with Him through repentance.

21. Hebrews 12:1
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.”

During Lent, we are called to remove distractions and sins that keep us from fully following God.

22. Matthew 16:24
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

Lent encourages self-denial and sacrificial living, as we follow Jesus on His journey to the cross.

23. Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Lent shifts our focus from worldly pursuits to spiritual growth, centering our thoughts on God’s will.

24. Isaiah 58:7
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter?”

Lent calls us to serve others, especially the needy, as a reflection of God’s love and compassion.

25. 1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.”

Lent is a time of confession and assurance that God’s forgiveness is available to all who seek it.

26. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Lent brings comfort to those who come to God with broken hearts, seeking His healing presence.

27. Ezekiel 18:30
“Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.”

Lent provides an opportunity to turn from sin and live a life aligned with God’s will.

28. Romans 6:6
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.”

Lent reminds us that through Christ’s crucifixion, we can put away sin and live in newness of life.

29. Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

Lent is a time to reflect on dying to self and letting Christ live through us.

30. Psalm 86:5
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”

Lent reminds us of God’s boundless forgiveness and love, available to all who seek Him with sincere hearts.

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