Fasting is NOT Optional!

It's not just food we must fast from—but entertainment, distraction, addiction, and sin itself. Fasting is the revolt of the soul against the flesh.

Matthew 6: 16-18 does not mandate fasting but provides guidance on how to fast if one chooses to do so. The passage begins, “When you fast,” not “You must fast,” implying fasting is optional (Matt. 6: 16). Jesus emphasizes fasting with humility, not for show, contrasting genuine devotion with hypocritical displays (Matt. 6: 16-18). Fasting is not a requirement for salvation, as salvation comes by grace through faith alone (Eph. 2:8-9). Rituals like fasting are not necessary for justification (Rom. 3: 28). So Matthew 6: 16 instructs proper conduct IF fasting, not a command to fast. in Jesus’ time, some religious leaders used the Law to elevate themselves and condemn others, fostering "self righteousness" and judgment. The Pharisees, for example, often boasted about their strict adherence to the Law, looking down on those they deemed less righteous, like tax collectors and sinners (Luke 18:9-14; Matt. 23:4-7). Jesus criticized this hypocrisy, emphasizing humility and faith over legalistic pride (Matt. 23: 23-28; Luke 11: 39-42). He taught that true righteousness comes from the heart and faith in God, not outward displays or comparisons (Rom. 3: 28). Matthew 23:4-7 - "They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others." Matthew 23: 23-28 - "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel! Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." Luke 18:9-14 - "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 'Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: "God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get." But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.'" Romans 3: 28 - "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." The point of this video is to say, look, I'm more righteous, but Jesus has already dealt with you and your kind Pharisee. Fasting, in private, in worship and honor to the Lord is fine. But it is not something that is required. And it doesn't make one believer more righteous than the other.

I’ve just completed day 4 I will break-fast in 11 hours all glory to Jesus

Not only that but it makes our vessels stronger as fasting heals the body!

I thought it was just me♥️I’m down 60 lbs. feeling so blessed and renewed ♥️

Fasting from food will cure anything

Fasting is more than just going without food or water. You need a designated time to be disconnected from everything draws your attention away from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

7 days and doing well ….

@grok what’s the best ways to fast safely. Can I just start fasting now?

You can start fasting now, but begin with a short, safe fast, like skipping one meal or a one-day water-only fast. Consult a doctor if you have health issues, and prepare by eating lightly beforehand. Stay hydrated with water or juice, and break the fast gently with fruit. Set a spiritual goal, like prayer or seeking guidance, to stay focused. Safe fasting tips: 1. Start small (e.g., one meal or one day). 2. Drink water or juice to maintain energy. 3. Break the fast with light foods like fruit or broth. 4. Pray and reflect to align with your purpose. Fasting isn't mandatory for all Christians but is a valued practice for spiritual growth. Ease into it for safety and meaning. _Disclaimer: Grok is not a doctor; please consult one. Don't share information that can identify you._