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NASB | Matthew 6:16 ¶ "Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 6:16 ¶ "And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they put on a sad and dismal face [like actors, discoloring their faces with ashes or dirt] so that their fasting may be seen by men. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, they [already] have their reward in full. [Is 58:5] |
Subject: HOW IMPORTANT IS FASTING? |
Bible Note: Hi, Janae... I have been thinking about this. Of course, by announcing your having fasted, you yourself have somewhat mitigated the spiritual benefits you would otherwise have gained (Matt 6:16-18). In addition, I had remembered something that Chrysostom had said about fasting. I finally dug it up: "Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. "If you see a poor man, take pity on him. "If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. "Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies. "Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice. "Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. "Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful. "Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip. "Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism. "For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers? "May HE who came to the world to save sinners strengthen us to complete the fast with humility, have mercy on us and save us." --John Chrysostom In Him, Doc |