What is the meaning of Matthew 6:18? so that your fasting will not be obvious to men Jesus pinpoints the human tendency to turn a spiritual discipline into a public performance. Earlier in the chapter He already warned, “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1). • Fasting is meant to humble the soul before God, not impress observers (see 1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 27:2). • When we seek applause, the fleeting praise of people becomes the only “reward” we receive (John 12:43). • Authentic devotion focuses on pleasing the Lord, echoing Paul’s counsel: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). but only to your Father, who is unseen Jesus shifts the focus from public stage to private relationship. • God is Spirit, unseen yet fully present (John 4:24; Psalm 139:7–12). • Faith trusts what cannot be observed with physical sight (Hebrews 11:1). • Keeping the act private sharpens our awareness that fasting is a conversation with the Father, not a spectacle for an audience. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you Nothing hidden escapes His notice. • The same promise is repeated about giving (Matthew 6:4) and prayer (Matthew 6:6), underlining a consistent principle. • “The eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). • God’s reward may include: – Deeper intimacy and clarity of guidance (Isaiah 58:8–11). – Spiritual strength to resist temptation (Matthew 4:2–11). – Eternal recognition, for “He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). • Delayed or unseen rewards call for perseverance: “At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). summary Matthew 6:18 redirects fasting from a public display to a private, faith-filled encounter with the unseen Father. By keeping the practice hidden, we protect pure motives, honor God’s presence, and position ourselves to receive the only reward that matters—His gracious response and blessing. |
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