As Christians around the world prepare to observe the 40-day Lenten season, many are reflecting on their spiritual journeys and seeking ways to deepen their relationship with God. A crucial aspect of this journey is avoiding sin and cultivating a more virtuous life. In this Kids & Teens edition, BETTY AMUKPO tasked some teens on practical ways to avoid sin during Lent as well as always. Excerpts:
‘Obey God’s commandments’
To avoid iniquity, I will pray every day, obey God’s commandments, and be kind to others. I will also fast and ask God for forgiveness, for Psalm 34:14 states, “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘Attend mass on Sundays and on other days of Obligation’
Lent is the period the Holy Roman Catholic Church remembers the pain and suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the period you reflect solemnly on the passion of Christ. The one who died on the Cross of Calvary to carry the burden and to redeem mankind. (John 19:30). Iniquity means bad, sinful, wrong or wicked action or thoughts that separates us from God and others. It is a bad character that is not acceptable in the society. It is said in the bible “All unrighteousness is sin”(1John 5:17).
Avoiding iniquity is not easy, especially during lent, when temptation will be coming so easily as if it was sent as a blessing, but you have to avoid temptation as hard as you can, and they can be avoided by: 1. Pray frequently “pray without season,” especially the rosary, so that our Blessed Virgin Mary will also intercede for you. 2. Attend Mass on Sundays and on other days of Obligation. 3. Join a society in Church that will grow you spiritually. 4. Give alms and charity, also be kind. 5. Go for confession and confess your sin, and amend your life by doing your penance. 6. Fast and read your Bible daily to know the Word of God. 7. Avoid bad friends and occasions of sin. Note: Not only during lent, but should be part of your daily life.
• Anyasor Chibuike Raphael
‘Lent has its own “3 R’s”: Reflection, repentance and reconciliation’
Lent has its own “3 R’s”: Reflection, repentance and reconciliation. For the 40 days of lent to avoid iniquity, I must follow God’s commands and seek His wisdom (Proverbs 8:7-9). I must also walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh (Romans 8:1-4). Finally, I must pray for guidance and flee from temptation (1 Corinthians 6:18). And also adhere to the 3 pillars of lent, prayer, fasting and alms giving.
• Asia Yoochi Laura
‘Abstaining from sin and praying’
Iniquity is often used interchangeably with the word (sin). It can mean violating a right or duty. A wicked act, immoral conduct or practice, and distorting what is good. 1 John 3:9… “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.” Ephesians 4:26-27… “In your anger do not sin, do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” We should avoid iniquity by obeying God, abstaining from sin and praying.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘Avoid bad company, because the Bible teaches that bad company corrupts’
Avoiding iniquity requires God’s grace, because on our own, we are helpless. I would avoid iniquity by doing the following: 1. Keeping God’s word in my heart: “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). 2. Prayer: Anything we can do is only through Christ Who will strengthen us, which is yet another way we can avoid sin (John 15:5). 3. Avoid bad company: Because the Bible teaches that bad company corrupts. Yes, we will still sin, but we have God’s Word as a source of power to guide us, we have prayer as a source of power, it brings us closer to God, we have godly people whom we can be with, they will guide us, we have Christian worship music we can worship God with, we can dwell on things that are pure and commendable, and we have the Holy Spirit our greatest friend, listen to His gentle voice, a great source of power.
• MaryPeace Oche
‘Abstain from fleshly lusts’
Seek wisdom from God, walk in the spirit and live a life guided by the Holy Spirit. Abstain from fleshly lusts. Fix your heart on Christ Jesus and be constantly in prayer. Romans 6:12-14 states, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lust, but present yourself to God as being alive from the dead. Surround yourself with positive influences, spend time with people who have the fear of the Lord in heart. Humble yourself before the Lord and cultivate the spirit of humility, seek forgiveness and restoration. When you sin, confess and seek forgiveness from God and work towards restoration.
• Chima Anita
‘Practicing acts of charity’
Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. As Christians, it is a time to draw closer to God and strive to avoid iniquity by following His commandments. To do this, we must focus on prayer, fasting, and obedience to God’s word. Prayer is essential in overcoming sin. Jesus Himself taught, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). When we pray regularly, we strengthen our relationship with God and receive the grace to resist temptation. Fasting also plays a significant role in self-discipline. By denying ourselves certain pleasures, we learn to control our desires and focus on what truly matters—our spiritual growth. Isaiah 58:6 reminds us that true fasting helps break the chains of sin.
Additionally, reading and meditating on the Bible helps guide our decisions. Psalm 119:11 states, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” When we know God’s word, we are less likely to fall into sin. Repentance is another important step. 1 John 1:9 assures us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” We should always seek God’s mercy and strive to live righteously. Finally, surrounding ourselves with godly influences and practicing acts of charity (Galatians 6:9-10), help us stay on the right path. By doing these, we can avoid iniquity and grow in faith during Lent.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘Praying fervently, almsgiving, spiritual works of charity’
Lent is a period of fasting and mortification for one’s sins. It is a time to make amends for all our wrong doings. I journey with Jesus for those 40 days in fasting, abstinence and mortification to amend my ways to become a better Christian. Praying fervently, practicing alms giving, spiritual works of charity are the ways I know to appease Jesus for my sins and that of mankind. Even though there is no explicit evidence of Lent in the Scripture, many believers have tried to argue that Lent is based on Jesus’ temptation in the desert for 40 days. According to this theory, Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert is the basis of fasting for the season of Lent (Matthew 4:1-2; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:1-2). I will talk to my friends about loving Jesus more through acts of contrition, selfless giving and charity. I will pray for the sick, destitute and people with no one to care for them.
• Princess Ogechukwu Okorie
‘Seek His face continually’
To avoid iniquity, “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11). Turn away from evil and do good (Psalm 37:27). Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
• Agbo Josephine
‘Ask God to reveal areas of iniquity in your life’
Some ways to avoid iniquity during Lent: Ask God to reveal areas of iniquity in your life. Participate in a Lenten programme or retreat to focus on spiritual growth. Read and meditate on Scripture, especially passages that speak to justice, compassion, and righteousness. Fasting and Abstinence: Practice fasting and abstinence to detach from worldly desires and focus on spiritual growth.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘Continuously communicate with God through prayer’
To avoid sin, you should actively study and meditate on God’s word, constantly pray, seek community with fellow believers, and actively resist temptation by fleeing from situations that could lead to sin, relying solely on the strength provided by Jesus Christ; key verses include, Psalm 119:11 (“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you”), 1 Corinthians 10:13 (“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man; God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it”), and James 4:7 (“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”). Key points from the Bible to avoid sin. Study Scripture: • By memorising and meditating on Bible verses, you can have a strong foundation to guide your actions and resist temptation. (Psalm 119:11).
Prayer:
• Continuously communicate with God through prayer, asking for strength and guidance to avoid sin.
Community:
• Surround yourself with supportive Christians who can encourage you to live righteously.
Flee temptation:
• When faced with a situation that could lead to sin, actively remove yourself from it.
Trust in Jesus:
• Recognise that through Jesus Christ, you have the power to overcome sin and live a righteous life.
• Bryan Okononfua
