TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:16-18

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

In other Churches, they fast together in a particular month, for example, January, to start the year right. It’s amazing how everybody is so obedient and enthusiastic about fasting. At the end of the day, fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves voluntarily abstaining from food or activities for a period of time; it’s uncomfortable. With this, a question comes to mind, is it possible that everybody is indeed doing it earnestly, or are they doing it because the Church leaders say so? Fasting should be accompanied by prayer and seeking God’s guidance and presence. I really do hope that everybody’s doing it with sincerity.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of fasting as a spiritual discipline but warns against the hypocrisy of those who fast merely for show. He encourages His followers to fast with sincerity, seeking the approval and reward of God rather than the praise of others.

Fasting is a powerful means of drawing closer to God, humbling ourselves before Him, and seeking His guidance and provision. It is a time of self-denial and spiritual focus, during which we set aside earthly comforts and desires in order to seek God’s will and presence more fully.

However, Jesus cautions against using fasting as a means of gaining recognition or approval from others. When we fast to be seen by others, we forfeit the true reward that comes from God alone. Instead, our fasting should be done in secret, known only to God, who sees what is done in secret and rewards us accordingly.

As we fast in secret, our focus shifts from seeking praise and approval from others to seeking the favor and reward of our Heavenly Father. It becomes an expression of our devotion and dependence on Him rather than a performance for the approval of others.

 

PRAYER