Fasting: Control Yourself, Not Other People

The midday sun was scorching. Two electric fans spun at full speed, cooling the house crowded with my younger sibling’s friends. When we served fruit ice, they welcomed it with great delight. Chunks of fresh fruit drenched in sweet syrup, soaked in cold water and ice cubes, truly relieved our thirst.

A little later, I realized that one of my sibling’s friends did not take a glass of fruit ice. Nor did he touch the boxed rice meal set before him. It turned out that he was observing a fast according to the obligations of his religion. Yet that did not stop him from attending my sibling’s graduation thanksgiving gathering. In fact, he mingled cheerfully among the other guests who were enjoying their meal.

At that moment, I felt corrected: Would I be able to be that sincere and steadfast while fasting?

Fasting: Heavenly Reward vs. Earthly Reward

Although my sibling’s friend came from a different faith background, I saw his attitude as an example of applying Jesus’ teaching about fasting.

"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They disfigure their faces so that people may see that they are fasting. Truly I tell you: they have received their reward.” – Matthew 6:16

Yes, my sibling’s friend did not give the impression that he was fasting and hoping to be respected, nor did he try to gain sympathy from the other guests.

While fasting, can we still be joyful and smiling, showing a radiant face far from gloom? Are we still willing to attend a banquet to support a friend?

In Matthew 6:18 it is said that other people do not need to know that we are fasting. It is enough that only the Father in heaven knows, and from Him we will receive our reward. Surely, the reward from God is far more valuable than the reward given by the world.

If we deliberately show our difference so that others know we are fasting, that is when we have already received our reward, namely respect or praise from others. That is all.

Fasting: Self-Control vs. Controlling the Situation

Respect those who are fasting—this slogan is something we often encounter and commonly accept. Respecting people who are fasting is certainly a good thing. However, it would also be good if we were willing to look at it from another side: Respect those who are not fasting, by not forbidding them to eat and drink.

Isn’t fasting one way to exercise self-control? If every situation is arranged in such a way as to support our fasting, then where is that self-control?

And after fasting forty days and forty nights, Jesus was finally hungry. – Matthew 4:2

When Jesus fasted in the wilderness, He did not forbid the devil to come and tempt Him (Matthew 4:1-11). What Jesus did was strengthen His heart so that He would not fall into temptation. Great hunger was not a reason for Jesus to give in to the devil, who suggested that He turn stones into bread.

If we who are fasting are not disturbed by people who are free to eat and drink, it means we have succeeded in mastering ourselves and our desires.

Do Not Forget the Purpose of Fasting

The fast that I desire is this: that you loose the chains of wickedness and untie the cords of the yoke, that you set the oppressed free and break every yoke, that you share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house, and when you see the naked, that you clothe them and not hide yourself from your own flesh and blood! 

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 

– Isaiah 58:6-8

Fasting while hoping to be appreciated by others is the same as trying to control other people. Receiving praise is the goal of a hypocrite’s fasting. And this can happen when we forget our purpose in fasting. We forget that God wants our fasting to become a means of love for others, rather than forcing them to understand and respect us.

Many figures in the Bible fasted, for example Moses (Exodus 34:28), Esther (Esther 4:16), Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), and Daniel (Daniel 10:3) in the Old Testament.  In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus began His ministry mission by fasting for 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:2). The apostles fasted and prayed before sending Barnabas and Paul to carry out their ministry assignment (Acts 13:2-3).

The Bible does not explain specifically when Christians should fast. However, we can conclude that the purposes of fasting include:

• drawing near to and depending on God (2 Chronicles 20:3-4, Joel 2:12),
• knocking on heaven’s door for answers to prayer (Daniel 9:3, 2 Samuel 12:22, Ezra 8:23),
• growing spiritually and aligning ourselves with God’s will (Acts 13:3-4),
• humbling ourselves before God and showing repentance (Ezra 8:21, 1 Samuel 7:6, Nehemiah 9:1-2),
• driving out evil powers (Matthew 17:19-21),
• building gratitude, and
• maintaining physical health.

Tips for Preserving the Purity of Fasting

1. Have a Clear Purpose

A clear purpose will make us strong in facing temptation. Accompany our prayers with fasting when asking for a life partner, seeking the blessing of children, getting a job, sharpening our character, purifying our hearts, and so on.

2. Make It as Comfortable as Possible

While fasting, our breath usually becomes less pleasant. To stay comfortable, we may brush our teeth at any time, for example during a break. Rinse with mouthwash and apply moisturizer to your lips so that we can remain confident in our activities.

3. Be Thankful for Temptation 

When a friend or boss invites us to lunch while we are fasting, the aroma of food will feel even more enticing. Do not blame the person who invites us to eat, but give thanks because that temptation makes us stronger and more dependent on God.

4. Remember the Heavenly Reward

Even when accompanied by fasting, our prayers do not always receive a “yes” answer from God. However, there will be a reward for those who fast with a sincere heart and right motivation. Joy, character growth, maturity of faith, even the salvation of our souls await us.

May, by applying the tips above and remembering the purpose of fasting, the heavenly reward, and self-control, you be enabled to fast with a pure heart. Happy fasting, and may you keep growing in faith! - Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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