Isaiah 58

“Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure and oppress all your workers” (v3). God told Israel that their fasting and prayers were meaningless because, meanwhile, they were mistreating poor and vulnerable people. Instead, God wanted repentance and behavior change. “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free ... to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house ...?” (v6-7).

Rather than words, God looks for evidence that His generous love has changed us. “Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily” (v8).