Matthew 6:18
That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:18: "That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."
This verse clarifies intention and promise. Fasting is meant to be an act of worship directed to God, not a public performance. The idea of the Father who sees in secret assures believers that genuine devotion will be rewarded, even if unseen by human eyes. The emphasis on secret devotion does not negate communal practice, but it places priority on authentic relationship with God. The phrase “shall reward thee openly” suggests that God’s approval often manifests in transformative, observable ways—changed attitudes, renewed strength, grace in trials—though not necessarily in flashy outward signs. The verse invites trust in God’s timing and purposes, recognizing that human applause can be hollow while divine approval bears lasting significance.
Secret worship reflects core biblical anthropology: God values the inner life and the motive of love for God. Rewards may be present in now-concealed spiritual fruit that becomes evident over time. The verse also reinforces the intimate nature of discipleship: God is not distant but intimately involved in the hidden places of life. It invites believers to cultivate a life of consistent devotion rather than episodic piety.
Practical steps:
- Fast with a clear purpose and keep it between you and God; avoid publicizing it.
- Observe how inner prayer and dependence deepen in hidden times of fasting.
- Let your outward life reflect inner devotion: calm, patience, generosity, and integrity, even if others don’t notice.
- Look for visible “open rewards” in everyday life—peace in decision-making, stronger self-control, or renewed compassion.
Cross-References: Matthew 6:1; Isaiah 58:6-8; Psalm 27:4; Luke 18:9-14; 1 Thessalonians 2:4