FASTING: (DON'T SHOW IT)

FASTING: (DON'T SHOW IT) (What Jesus Actually Taught) Fasting is one of the most misunderstood and misused spiritual disciplines in modern Christianity. Some treat it as a way to prove devotion. Others use it to gain spiritual attention or appear more holy than others. But Jesus gave very clear instructions about fasting, and most people overlook them. Jesus never condemned fasting. In fact, He assumed His followers would fast. But He strongly condemned how people fasted when their motive was public recognition. Jesus’ warning against showy fasting could not be clearer: “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” — Matthew 6:16 (KJV) In Jesus’ day, religious hypocrites would deliberately make themselves look miserable. They neglected grooming, darkened their faces with ash, walked around sighing, and made sure everyone knew they were fasting. They did it so people would admire them, praise them, and think they were spiritual giants. Jesus said when that is your motive, that human praise is all the reward you will ever get. No spiritual power. No heavenly reward. No deeper fellowship with God. Just empty applause. Then Jesus explained how His followers should fast: “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” — Matthew 6:17–18 (KJV) Jesus told His followers to do the opposite of religious performers. Look normal. Act normal. Go about your daily life. Do not advertise it. Do not hint at it. Do not fish for sympathy or admiration. Fasting is not a performance. It is a private act of humility before God. True fasting is not about impressing people. It is about humbling yourself before the Lord. Biblical fasting is never about manipulating God, earning favor, or proving spirituality. It is about repentance, humility, seeking God’s will, intensifying prayer, breaking fleshly dependence, and drawing near to God. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” — Psalm 51:17 (KJV) Without humility and repentance, fasting becomes religious dieting. Jesus did not just say public fasting is ineffective. He called it hypocritical, because it turns a God-focused discipline into a self-focused display. It shifts the purpose from “God, I need You” to “People, look at me.” That subtle shift kills the spiritual power of fasting. Then Jesus made a staggering promise: “Thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” — Matthew 6:18 (KJV) God sees what no one else sees. He sees the hunger, the weakness, the prayers, the tears, the surrender, and the brokenness. And He promises to respond, not with human applause, but with divine reward. Here is the final truth. If people know you are fasting because you told them, you already got your reward. If God knows you are fasting because your heart is broken before Him, you are about to get something far better. - More Joy Ministries