Fasting mean

Fasting means practicing patience. When we fast, we refrain from eating, avoiding sins because of our connection with God. Then, our fast is accepted because we follow God’s rules. If we fast but engage in abusing others, fighting, or committing sins, then it is not a true fast. We should spend time with God through prayer and Bible study.

Our topic is fasting; attention must be paid to this holy word. It is written in Matthew 6:16: ‘Moreover, when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites with sad faces, for they disfigure their faces that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you

Why is fasting important?

What is Christ’s commandment? It is written in Matthew 5:20, ‘For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.'”

“The Bible states that one’s righteousness should surpass that of the Pharisees. Now, the question arises: What was the secrecy of the scribes and the Pharisees?”

“So, we know from Luke 18:11 that the Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men—extortionists, the unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.'”

“Consider the statement above: they fast two days a week and give a portion of their income. They don’t oppress anyone, refrain from committing injustice, and avoid bringing illicit money into their households for their children.”

 The Bible says that if your righteousness does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. It is essential to consider that if you want to enter the kingdom of heaven, then you must live a more righteous life than the scribes and Pharisees. They observe two fasts a week.

“Have you ever considered how many fasts we observe in a year? We eagerly anticipate Easter throughout the entire year, wondering when it will come. During these 40 days leading up to Easter, we engage in fasting.”

 “The teaching of Christ is clear: if you are faithful, if you are righteous, if you are a member of the church, if you are a part of the body of Jesus Christ, then it is necessary for your righteousness to exceed that of the scribes and the Pharisees.

The Pharisees observe two fasts a week, so as believers, we should strive to keep three fasts in a week. My dear, I want to encourage you. If you have truly accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and become a part of the body of Jesus Christ through membership in a church, if you are honest, righteous, and living a life of purity, then it is crucial to offer your body as a sacrifice to God through fasting during the week. By doing so, you can receive the divine blessings of God for eternal life.”

Thoughts on Fasting

 When you engage in fasting, do not be disheartened; instead, be joyful and praise the Lord for granting you the health to observe the fast. May God provide you with the opportunity to fast not just once or twice but three times a week. God bless you