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Matthew 6:18 (BSB)
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.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“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.” — Matthew 6:18
Imagine you're doing something really important and personal—like fasting. You might think about how it looks to others, but this verse is telling you to focus on what matters most: your relationship with your Father. He sees the private moments, the struggles, and the heart behind your actions. It’s not about public recognition; it’s about genuine connection. When you prioritize that, you can be confident that your Father will notice and reward you in ways that truly matter.
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples, who wanted to share the teachings and life of Jesus with others. Matthew had a unique perspective; he was once a tax collector, an outsider, and he knew what it felt like to be judged. By including this detail about fasting, he emphasizes the importance of doing things for the right reasons, not for applause—something he likely understood well from his own experiences.
When Matthew wrote this, the Jewish culture was vibrant and steeped in traditions, including a lot of public displays of piety. People often fasted as a way to show their devotion, but it could easily turn into a performance. This verse was a radical reminder that God values the quiet, heartfelt acts of faith over the flashy ones that are meant to impress others. It reflects a time when people were beginning to question the authenticity of their practices, which makes this message even more relevant.
This verse is a game changer for your life today! It challenges you to reflect on why you do what you do. Are you seeking applause or genuine connection with your Father? It serves as a reminder that your most meaningful moments are often unseen by others. In a world that encourages you to showcase your achievements, this verse invites you to find freedom in knowing that what matters is your sincere heart. That’s where true fulfillment lies!
This week, try something for yourself that you wouldn’t normally share with anyone else. It could be a personal fast, a time of prayer, or even a quiet act of kindness. Focus on the intention behind it rather than how it looks to others. Afterward, take a moment to reflect on how it felt to do something privately for your Father. Challenge yourself to keep it between you and Him, and notice how that deepens your connection.
In this part of Matthew, the chapter is all about how to live out your faith in a way that's authentic and not just for show. Before this verse, there's a discussion about giving and praying, emphasizing sincerity over appearance. This verse wraps it all up by reminding you that true acts of devotion—like fasting—should be done in private, highlighting the heart of the matter. After this, the chapter continues with more teachings about how to focus on what really matters in your relationship with God, urging you to keep your focus inward and not on how others perceive you.
What is one personal act of devotion you can do this week without sharing it with anyone else, and how do you think it might change your relationship with your Father?
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