What does the Bible say about fasting
Fasting appears throughout the Bible as a way of seeking God more intensely: in times of decision, repentance, or need. This is what Scripture teaches about why and how to fast.
1. Jesus fasted and expected His followers to fast
Before beginning His ministry, Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness. And when He taught about fasting He said "when ye fast," not "if ye fast."
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. (Matthew 4:2, KJV)
2. Fasting is not for show
Jesus warned against fasting so that others would notice. Fasting is something between the person and God.
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:16-18, KJV)
3. Fasting goes together with prayer and important decisions
In the early church, believers fasted and prayed before important decisions, such as sending Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:2-3, KJV)
4. God wants a sincere heart, not just an empty stomach
Through Isaiah, God explained that the fast He is pleased with comes with justice and compassion for others.
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? (Isaiah 58:6-7, KJV)
5. A time to return to God
In the Bible, fasting is also a way to express repentance and to return to God with your whole heart.
Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: (Joel 2:12, KJV)
6. Fasting wisely
There are many ways to fast: skipping some meals, giving up a type of food, or even a distraction such as your phone or social media. If you have a health condition, are pregnant, take medication, or have a history of eating disorders, talk with your doctor first: fasting should never put your health at risk. What matters is not how long you go without food, but using that time to draw closer to God.
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