Text: Matthew 25:34-40
Memory text:
“for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Compassion is the evidence of a true fast. God is not impressed by an empty stomach if the heart is full of indifference.The kind of fasting He honours is expressed in simple, everyday acts of compassion. Today, we will consider some practical, everyday ways to show compassion or empathy during fasting.
Firstly, share your food with the hungry or the struggling family. Food is the first of the three essential physical needs of humans and the three basic life needs. Give the food you didn’t eat to someone who needs it instead of storing them to eat after your fasting period. Also, instead of saving money from skipping meals, redirect it. Buy food for someone, give to a family in need, and support the church’s welfare program.
Jesus warned that compassion for the vulnerable will be one of the yardsticks that will be used for judgment.
“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat…” (Matt 25:35).
Giving food to the hungry or showing compassion in itself, doesn’t save us, but it’s proof that we are saved. Jesus identifies with the suffering and sees serving the needy as serving Him and ignoring the needy as ignoring Him. Proverbs 19:17 also confirms this: “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him.”
Secondly, check on someone who is hurting. “I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’” ‭‭(Matt‬ ‭25‬:‭36‬).
A call, visit, or message to someone who is sick, lonely, bereaved, depressed or someone who is going through pain or hardship can turn fasting into ministry. Even the spiritually weak like the backsliders, cold believers, the faint in heart; the overlooked like the helpers, caregivers, pastors, introverts, and quiet sufferers should be checked on. “… comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” (‭‭I Thes‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬). Jesus referenced the Good Samaritan who showed compassion in a practical and costly way (Luke 10:33).
Friends, love is not theory, compassion is not optional, and kindness is not a suggestion. Make compassion a habit, not an event.
Prayerfully decide on one hurting person to check on today. You can start with a message or call. You may add a simple word of prayer or a scripture. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. These simple gestures of kindness may become the most spiritual moment of your fast.

Prayer points
1. Holy Spirit, prompt me whenever someone around me is struggling with hunger and make me responsive, not resistant, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, deliver me from passive compassion. Lead me to one who needs encouragement and to the one whose strength is failing, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I am a vessel of God’s compassion; I see needs, and I respond with love. My hands are blessed to feed the hungry.
2. I carry the compassion of Christ to the sick, lonely, and forgotten. I see Jesus in them, and I minister to Him with joy.