What is the reward for fasting in secret?

Definition and Scope of Fasting

Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food, drink, or certain types of nourishment for a specified duration. In Scripture, it is consistently portrayed as a deliberate act of worship, humility, and devotion. Though often combined with prayer and repentance, fasting maintains its own distinct focus as a means of drawing nearer to God. Throughout both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, fasting remains an integral practice when seeking divine mercy, guidance, or deeper fellowship with the Creator.

Key Scriptural Foundations

1. Matthew 6:16–18:

“When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

– This passage directly addresses the manner in which fasting should be undertaken and highlights that the method (secret rather than showy) will lead to a reward from the Father.

2. Isaiah 58:6–9:

“‘Is not this the fast I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? … Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly… Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, “Here I am.”’”

– Although this passage addresses social justice and sincerity in fasting, it also promises a divine blessing upon genuine devotion.

3. Joel 2:12–13:

“‘Yet even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. So rend your hearts and not your garments…’”

– Here, fasting is specifically tied to genuine repentance and God’s promise of restoration.

Historical and Early Christian Practice

Jewish tradition placed a high value on fasting during times of crisis, national repentance, or personal devotion. Historical records such as those found among the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran reflect regular fast days accompanied by prayers for national deliverance. In the earliest decades of Christianity, the Didache (an early Christian writing) shows that believers continued the Jewish practice of fasting while giving it additional Christ-centered meaning. Some early Christian documents noted two weekly fast days, typically Wednesdays and Fridays, emphasizing humility and a desire to honor God.

Jesus’ Emphasis on Secrecy

In Matthew 6, Jesus specifically contrasts the outward display of piety with authentic devotion. He cautions against attention-seeking when giving, praying, or fasting. His instruction to “anoint your head and wash your face” (Matthew 6:17) implies a normal, cheerful appearance rather than letting others see any form of suffering or deprivation. This secrecy is crucial because it shifts the focus away from human praise and toward a genuine relationship with God.

Nature of the Reward

1. Spiritual Intimacy: Jesus’ promise that the Father “sees what is done in secret” underscores the confidence believers can place in God’s awareness of their earnest devotion. Fasting done in secret cultivates a deeper awareness of His presence and leads to richer communion with Him.

2. Internal Transformation: Individuals who fast with a sincere heart often experience freedom from spiritual complacency and a renewal of faith. According to Isaiah 58, fasting not only pleases God but also brings light, healing, and restoration into the life of the one who fasts in true humility.

3. Divine Response: Passages like Isaiah 58 and Joel 2 imply that God responds favorably to humble fasting—bestowing breakthroughs, guidance, and blessings. These blessings can manifest in different ways: answered prayers, greater discernment, and a strengthened resolve to obey God.

4. Eternal Perspective: By encouraging disciples to fast in secret, Jesus shifts their perspective to eternal matters rather than transient human applause. The “reward” ultimately embraces God’s commendation, spiritual growth, and alignment with His will—treasures that do not fade.

Practical Considerations and Examples

1. Personal Reflection: Individuals might choose a private fast, whether for half a day or more extended periods, with the main goal of dedicating focused time to prayer and Scripture reading. Even in modern practice, many believers describe heightened clarity and attentiveness to God’s voice during such times.

2. Seeking God’s Guidance: Biblical figures like Daniel (Daniel 9) fasted while seeking critical insight from God. Believers still follow this pattern when petitioning for wisdom in major life decisions or interceding for others in need.

3. Consistency in Scripture: Manuscript evidence—including that from various textual families and ancient translations—demonstrates a cohesive, unchanging command that fasting be approached reverently rather than for external praise. This longstanding tradition underscores the enduring principle that God values sincere devotion over religious display.

4. Avoiding Legalism: While fasting appears frequently in the Bible, there is no rigid mandate that prescribes how many times or how long believers must fast. Scripture emphasizes intention over calibration, urging a heartfelt sacrifice rather than mechanical ritual.

Misconceptions and Common Questions

1. Does Fasting Manipulate God’s Favor?

– Scripture presents fasting as an expression of humility, not a tool to coerce or influence God in a transactional way. The reward comes from heartfelt alignment with God’s purpose rather than an attempt to earn merit.

2. Is Corporate Fasting Permissible?

– Although Jesus stresses secrecy for personal fasts, there are occasions in Scripture (e.g., Jonah 3; Acts 13:2) where people fast corporately. Even in group settings, the principle of humility remains paramount.

3. Does Physical Health Affect Fasting?

– While Scripture upholds the practice, it never advocates recklessness. Believers are encouraged to be mindful of personal health, consult wise counsel if needed, and remember that fasting can take various forms to suit an individual’s situation and health requirements.

Summary of the Reward for Secret Fasting

• Deepened Relationship with God – Fasting in secret fosters a ready and humble heart to receive reminders, convictions, and assurances of God’s presence.

• Spiritual Renewal and Purification – Sincere fasting promotes repentance, self-examination, and a clearer awareness of God’s holiness, leading to transformation in character.

• Heavenly Recognition and Blessing – As Jesus promises, the Father who “sees in secret” (Matthew 6:18) will reward. Whether these rewards emerge as spiritual insights, renewed joy, or tangible answers to prayer, they ultimately point to the true and lasting approval from God alone.

Concluding Insights

Fasting in secret aligns believers with a core biblical principle: authentic devotion must flow from a humble, sincere heart. Rather than seeking human recognition, the essence of private fasting is to focus fully on the Creator, trusting that He sees, He knows, and He rewards faithful service. The Scriptures consistently attest that this genuine, unfeigned devotion—both historically and in present-day practice—binds individuals to God in a profound way. By maintaining a discreet posture of humility, believers experience not only spiritual growth but also the gracious, unseen reward of their heavenly Father.