Daily Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18
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.
Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com
Reflection Questions:
For many Christians today, “fasting” has negative, medieval associations (even though other spiritually and mentally healthy Christians practice it regularly). That Jesus mentioned it rather matter-of-factly, and almost seemed to take its practice for granted, may give us cause for reflection.
- We usually think “fasting” means not eating for some period, so we can focus our attention fully on God. But it can mean temporarily denying any inner appetite as an act of spiritual submission. What inner appetite might you give up for a time to enter more fully into God’s presence? Will you?
- Even though it is more challenging than some other spiritual practices (or perhaps because it is more challenging), Jesus noted that fasting, too, can be done for show, rather than from an honest desire to draw nearer to God. In what ways can you guard your fasting from insincere showiness?
Read insights and reflections from today’s passage by our pastors at gpsinsights.wordpress.com
Weekly Prayer:
Dear God, I want to be filled with your love and goodness all the time. But I’m not there yet–so sometimes I’m tempted to fake it, and that can get ugly. Help me live authentically in your love and grace, letting go of my need to look good. Teach me to own my struggles and claim your power to transform me. Amen.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, TODAY’S NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 2001, 2005 by International Bible Society®. Used by permission of International Bible Society®. All rights reserved worldwide.
