‘When’ not ‘If’ you Fast

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” — Matthew 6:16 NKJV

Sometimes, people question whether Jesus urged believers to fast or not. Well, Jesus said clearly in Matthew 9:15 (NKJV) that “…Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” In other words, Jesus was saying that believers will fast after He had physically left the earth.

Moreover, when Jesus was delivering the sermon on the mount, He started Matthew 6:16 by saying, “’when’ not ‘if’ you fast…” That means Jesus expects us to fast, whether we hear God directly or not. So even God respects your decision to fast.

Jesus hasn’t placed any limits on fasting because He knows how much it’ll benefit us. But He was concerned with how believers should fast the right way.

In those days, the Pharisees were the people others looked up to learn how to fast. When they fasted, everyone knew it because of how they disfigured their faces and put on a sad countenance. They did it for others to recognize them as holy. Meanwhile, there were so many evil things they were doing without people knowing it.

People don’t have to know you’re fasting, except those you go in agreement with. Dress well, take care of your body, the Lord’s temple, when you fast. God checks your heart and motive for doing things (Proverbs 16:2, 1 Samuel 16:7). So do them out of your spiritual understanding unto His glory, and men will recognise your works and give recognition to God.

Remember that fasting isn’t a strike on your hunger. It’s a spiritual privilege with lots of benefits, including health benefits. Do it as unto the Lord, and you’ll receive your reward.

You’re a blessing.

Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 096