Self-denial

Self-denial (also called self-abnegation and self-sacrifice) refers to altruistic abstinence – the willingness to forgo personal pleasures or undergo personal trials in the pursuit of the increased good of another. Various religions and cultures take differing views of self-denial, some considering it a positive trait and others considering it a negative one. According to some Christians, self-denial is considered a superhuman virtue only obtainable through Jesus. Some critics of self-denial suggest that self-denial can lead to self-hatred and claim that the self-denial practiced in Judaism has created self-hating Jews.

Religion and self-denial

Religion plays a big part in the act of self-denial. Self-denial in the Christian belief is a positive thing because it is supposed to help people reach happiness and become a true follower of Christ. In Christianity, self-denial is the act of refusing to do your own will and to one day reach his presence. Self-denial requires rejecting desires of the flesh and leading a holy path. You receive the greatness of God first then you are made aware of your nothingness. In the end, self-denial becomes impossible without this fuller revelation of God. Christian belief of self-denial comes from Jesus not only implying it through words but from action. Just how he sacrificed himself, one should sacrifice our life for him. Self-denial is practiced by those who want to reach the blessings of God by renouncing ungodly and worldly passions that come from our own desires.