Questions and Answers

Q: Is fasting an obligation of children of God today? A. It is not specifically commanded in the scriptures, but, in the Sermon on the Mount our Lord gave instructions to the disciples on how to give, how to pray, and how to fast, as if each were of equal obligation (Matt. 6:16-18). In view of the fact that giving and praying are items of public worship (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 16:1,2), and fasting is not, it would appear that fasting is in the area of private devotions, and is to be restricted thereto. Jesus said, “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance; for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee,” (Matt. 6:16-18). While this statement clearly shows that fasting was not to be engaged in publicly and with ostentation, it also reveals that it did have an important place in the life of a disciple, and that the Father would reward those who thus engaged. That fasting is not intended to be observed under all circumstances, and that its chief purpose is to strengthen us in times of trial and adversity, and on occasions of sorrow and grief, is evident from an induction of passages dealing with the subject in the New Testament (Matt. 9:14; Mark 2:18; Luke 5:33; 1 Cor. 7:6; Acts 13:2; 2 Cor. 6:5). The disciples of John once propounded this query, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the sons of the bride chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast,” (Matt. 9:14,15). When the joy of the Lord’s presence had been turned into sorrow in his absence, the disciples would fast. Does not this teach us that fasting is an exercise designed to strengthen us and to turn our attention away from the desires of the flesh to the nourishment of the soul? And, that it is to be done only in times of adversity, temptation, grief or trial? Fasting, properly engaged in, can be a source of great spiritual blessing, a discipline of the will and an exercise producing great inward strength and power. All of us, on occasion, should resolutely put out of our hearts every semblance of worldly desire, and fleshly appetite, and with prayer and fasting, draw very near to God and claim his support and guidance in life. Such an experience would make us all infinitely stronger, richer in faith, and vastly better equipped to live the Christian life. In view of the fact that neither time nor manner of observance is given for fasting, we must conclude that these are matters to be determined in each instance, and by each person participating.