If you chose to fast, how do you not let family members know?
Question:
Hi,
I'm a little confused about the practice of fasting. From what I understand, we, Christians, have the freedom to do fasting and that it should be done privately. At the present time, families mostly stay at home and it is unavoidable to notice everyone's actions inside the house. If one desires to fast for a day or more, it will be known within the family members. Does it trespass the passage in Matthew 6 that this should not be seen by others?
Thank you so much!
Answer:
"Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:16-18).
Jesus did not say to hide the fact that you are not eating. He is saying not to put that fact on display where people might feel sorry for you or think you are really religious for doing a fast.
Your family will likely know that you aren't eating, but don't make a big deal about it. In every other aspect, they should see you behaving just as you usually do.
Response:
Thank you, brother. Thank you for the clarification. God bless!
