Don't Be Funky on a Fast: Hygiene Tips for Dry Fasting with Biblical Guidance

Yes, you read that title right. Of all the advice I thought I’d give for a successful fasting experience, I never imagined I’d need to talk about hygiene—but here we are!

So, I came across a YouTube video of a couple doing a dry fast. For some reason, they thought that because they weren’t consuming any food or water, they also had to skip showering and brushing their teeth—since, you know, that involves water. I was genuinely baffled. Like, insert mind-blown emoji here, that was me!

Let me just say this, guys: even if you’re doing a dry fast, please take a shower and brush your teeth. Don’t be funky on a fast! And for a little biblical context, here’s what Jesus said: "When you fast, do not look somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to others, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:16-18).

God expects us to look our best, even when fasting, so people around us won’t notice anything different. If you usually smell fresh like Irish Spring and suddenly start smelling like 10-day-old trash, people are definitely going to notice, and then you’ll have to explain. But God’s saying avoid all that! Be your usual self—fasting is about the internal, spiritual work, not how you look externally.

There’s also the temptation to tell people you’re fasting. It’s kind of weird—part of you might want that pat on the back for being super holy or more disciplined than the average Christian. You’ll feel like telling someone, especially when you’re at work and the food smells amazing, but you’re not eating. When they ask, "What are you having for lunch?" you’ll want to say, "Oh, I’m fasting." But don’t do it! Instead, say something like, "I’m just focusing on work today" or "I’m taking a break." Maybe use that time to sneak away for some solitude, read the Word, pray, and seek God. Fill yourself spiritually, so you return from lunch not stuffed, but renewed.

God’s Word is clear: if we tell people we’re fasting, that’s all the reward we’ll get. And honestly, who wants to go through all that just for an "OMG, that’s so amazing, I could never do that!" You could say that to yourself! I want the promises of God concerning fasting, like those in Isaiah 58:6: "Is not this the fast I have chosen: to loose the bonds of injustice, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to break every yoke?"

That’s what I’m looking for—and I’m sure you are too.

So, like the good book says, wash your face, take a shower, brush your teeth, even if you’re on a dry fast! Don’t walk around being funky in these fasting streets, lol.

God bless you all!

Shalom

Lyn