Do Not Look Somber

I visited the Church of the Firstborn who, generally speaking, does not seek medical treatment, but relies on faith for physical healing. There was no structure in the service, but one of fluid individual testimony, witness, confession, repentance and thanksgiving. The group shared their burdens, pain and grief and asked for prayers that they might be overcomers. However, I was struck that the service lacked joy, praise or even the opportunity to say amen. It occurs to me that the Lord’s instruction on fasting could and should be applied, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matt 6:16-18 NIV).