“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” - Matthew 6:16-18, ESV

“When you fast,” Jesus says. We now see the question is not if we, as Christ-followers, should fast; the question is, are we fasting in obedience to His Word? After all, Christ Himself fasted for 40 days before He began His ministry; if we follow His example, knowing that He perfectly lived for God while living as a man on this earth, we should fast as well.