“Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you;the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”Isaiah 58:8 ESV

This passage reveals the promise of a God who is full of true compassion and deep love for the poor and the needy. Many of us are diligent in religious activities, yet we fail terribly when it comes to displaying compassion toward those who are hurting, broken, and in need.

This word came through the prophet Isaiah to clearly define what true fasting is and what false fasting looks like. God strongly condemns those who fast outwardly but fail to show empathy, mercy, and care for others. Religious acts without love do not move the heart of God.

The Word of God encourages us to help the poor, feed the hungry, and clothe the naked. Even if you remain in a place of worship day and night, fast often, and engage in religious activities with all your strength and effort, yet fail to care for someone in need, none of those acts are counted. They become meaningless—mere activity without purpose.

However, for the one who walks uprightly, lives justly, frees the oppressed, and genuinely cares for those in need, the Bible promises a swift breakthrough. Light will break through the darkness unexpectedly, and healing will spring forth speedily.

Not only that, your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. In other words, you are fully covered—going ahead of you and standing behind you—in every area of life.

Turn away from hypocrisy and choose a life of genuine obedience to God’s instructions. When you walk in truth and compassion, God Himself will back you up with His glory.The world also remembers compassionate heart more than a religious person.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, give us hearts that reflect Your compassion. Help us to walk in truth, humility, and genuine love for those in need. Remove. Let our light break forth, our healing come speedily, and may Your glory surround us always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.