Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 6:18. It's a really important message about God’s perspective on our actions. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is watching us and knows exactly what we’re doing, even when we’re hidden from him. He doesn’t want us to be seen as needing his help or being secretive. Let's unpack the parts: “That thou appear not unto men to fast…” – This means God wants you not to publicly show that you're fasting, which is a religious practice of turning away from worldly things and focusing on spiritual things. It’s about being humble and focused on God. “…but unto thy Father which is in secret…” – This is the key part! God is watching you secretly. He’s not looking at your actions; he's looking at your heart . “and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” - This means that God sees everything you do and knows what you're truly doing. When you act humbly, honestly, and with a focus on Him, He will recognize your effort and give you praise – it won’t be hidden or secretive. In short: God wants to see your true intentions and how you live. He doesn't want to be distracted by your outward actions; he wants to know what’s happening within you. Why is this important? It encourages us to: Be honest with ourselves: Don't hide your struggles or doubts. Live a humble life: Focus on God and His will, not on seeking recognition or praise for yourself. Trust in God’s plan: He knows what’s best for you, even if it doesn’t look like we expect. Does this mean we shouldn't fast? Absolutely not! It encourages us to be mindful of how we are fasting – that it’s about a deeper connection with God and seeking His guidance, rather than just feeling deprived of food. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific aspect of faith (like prayer)?