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“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.” Matthew 6:16

The Pharisees fasted to flaunt their piety in front of others. Fasting is often connected to prayer and increases the earnestness of our petitions (James 5:16). It’s a spiritual discipline with the purpose of focussing on God for our physical and spiritual needs. It isn’t about putting on a performance or drawing attention to ourselves. Fasting shouldn’t be noticeable or cause us to look somber.