Bible verse and commentary week 3

The last 2 weeks on this blog, we discussed two significant Bible verses that provide insight into essential aspects of the Christian faith. The first verse, Matthew 4:17, emphasizes the importance of repentance. It reminds us that turning away from sin and seeking forgiveness is a vital part of our spiritual journey. Repentance is not merely a one-time act; it is a continual process of self-reflection and commitment to live according to God’s will.

The second verse, Matthew 6:6, addresses the topic of praying rightly as a Christian. It underscores that prayer should be a personal and sincere conversation with God rather than a display for others to see. This teaching encourages believers to cultivate a genuine relationship with God, approaching Him in humility and honesty.

This week, we will be moving on to the topic of fasting and praying rightly as a Christian, focusing on Matthew 6:16 to 6:18. This passage offers profound wisdom on how to approach fasting in a manner that honors God.

“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.”

These verses make it clear that there is a right and wrong way to fast, just as there is a correct way to pray, as stated in Matthew 6:6. When we fast, it is crucial to maintain a humble demeanor and not to draw attention to ourselves. Rather than seeking the approval or recognition of others, our focus should be solely on our relationship with God. This internal focus allows us to engage in fasting as a spiritual discipline that brings us closer to Him.

In addition to Matthew 6:16 to 6:18, we also have the powerful teachings in Isaiah 58, which can guide us in strengthening our fasting practices. This chapter emphasizes that true fasting involves more than just abstaining from food; it calls us to reflect God’s heart through acts of compassion and justice. By caring for the less fortunate and breaking the chains of oppression, we align our fasting with God’s desires for our lives and the world around us.

Anyway that is all. Have a great beautiful day. Goodbye for now.

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