“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. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 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)Fasting is not about carrying out a religious act whether in group or individually.
Fasting that is done in Spirit and in Truth is actually a beautiful spiritual act that is done willingly and joyfully by the strength of the Spirit of God.
Most people fast without even realizing it, and at times unwillingly. Both great Joy and great sorrow can be the basis for fasting.
It’s a mechanism that relieves the body and spirit of the anxiety and stress caused by occupational burdens.
And, yes, the body can sustain fasting by the strength of the Spirit of God. In such a case, it is done as a result of overwhelming joy and not sorrow.
Our Lord joyfully fasted 40 days and 40 nights by the strength of His Father who is Spirit.
It is the Lord who initiates such desire onto our heart by his Spirit to his glory, not by religion. Praised be his name, Amen.
Why? Because the Spirit is Life, and where the Spirit is, there is freedom. Yes, even freedom to not be subjected to burdening your body with food, and your mind with worldly information, and your spirit with anxiety. What a freedom!
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Amen.
Jesus is the well of the living water, the Holy Spirit. 