The Connection Between Fasting and Giving(fasting series)

 Fasting is more than abstaining from food—it’s a powerful act of worship that draws us closer to God. Yet, the Bible makes it clear that fasting is incomplete when it is self-centered. True fasting involves giving and caring for others. Isaiah 58:6-7 provides a profound connection between fasting and generosity, showing us the kind of fast that pleases God.

What Does Isaiah 58:6-7 Teach About Fasting?

In Isaiah 58, God rebukes the Israelites for practicing fasting as a mere ritual without accompanying it with righteous living. Instead of just going hungry, God calls them to fast in a way that transforms their lives and benefits others:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” (Isaiah 58:6-7, NIV)

God’s Word here connects fasting with justice, compassion, and generosity. Fasting is meant to soften our hearts and open our eyes to the needs of those around us. It’s not just about personal spiritual growth but also about living out our faith in tangible ways.

The Heart of True Fasting

1. Setting the Oppressed Free
   Fasting should align with God’s heart for justice. This may mean standing up for the marginalized, helping those trapped in addiction, or advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. When fasting, we are called to reflect God’s love and mercy by loosening the “chains of injustice.”

2. Sharing with the Hungry
   Fasting isn’t just about giving up food for ourselves; it’s about considering the needs of others. Isaiah reminds us that fasting should involve sharing what we have—whether it’s food, resources, or time—with the hungry and less fortunate.

3. Providing Shelter for the Homeless
   The fast that pleases God moves us to hospitality and kindness. Whether it’s welcoming someone into your home or supporting organizations that provide shelter, fasting inspires us to care for those without security.

4. Clothing the Naked
   This is a reminder to look beyond ourselves and meet practical needs. Fasting should awaken generosity in our hearts, encouraging us to give to those who lack basic necessities.

5. Caring for Family and Community
   Isaiah 58 emphasizes not turning away from “your own flesh and blood.” True fasting begins at home, fostering love and support for our families and communities before extending outward.

Why Giving Completes Fasting

Fasting and giving go hand in hand because both require a spirit of sacrifice. When we fast, we give up something we value usually food as a reminder of our dependence on God. When we give, we extend that sacrifice outward, using our resources to bless others.

Jesus taught the same principle in Matthew 6:16-18, where He warned against fasting for show and emphasized humility before God. Similarly, He highlighted the importance of giving in Matthew 25:35-40, saying:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in...”

Our fasting becomes meaningful when it is rooted in love and expressed through generosity.

Practical Ways to Connect Fasting and Giving

1. Donate the Food You Would Have Eaten
   If you’re fasting a meal, consider using the money you would have spent to buy food for someone in need.

2. Volunteer Your Time
   Use your fasting period as an opportunity to serve at a local shelter, food bank, or community organization.

3. Pray for and Support Others
   Pray for those who are oppressed, hungry, or homeless during your fast. Take it a step further by offering practical support, such as donating clothes, helping with bills, or mentoring someone in need.

4. Be Intentional in Your Relationships
   Fasting can remind us to reach out to loved ones and mend broken relationships, reflecting God’s heart of reconciliation.

The Blessings of a Generous Fast

When fasting is paired with giving, God’s promises in Isaiah 58:8-9 come to life:

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”

Fasting with generosity brings spiritual breakthroughs, healing, and closeness to God. It transforms both the one fasting and those receiving the acts of kindness.

Conclusion

The connection between fasting and giving is undeniable. God calls us to a fast that doesn’t just change our own hearts but also impacts the lives of others. As you fast, let it be an opportunity to show God’s love in action through justice, compassion, and generosity.

By aligning your fasting with giving, you honor God and reflect His character, fulfilling His desire for a fast that truly pleases Him.