In Isaiah, chapter fifty-eight, verse six, ” Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” The fast that God approves is one accompanied by love for Him and genuine concern for those who are oppressed. Believers must understand that the giving of tithes and offerings to the church does not excuse them from their responsibility to give to the poor.
Believers should share their food with the hungry and provide clothing to those who have none. They must make a sincere effort to determine the needs of others, especially within their local congregations, and to commit themselves to helping in whatever way they can. The blessings are given to those who have a heart, as in this theme verse six, and are committed ot the course of action as in verse seven. “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”
Namely, the fast that pleases God. Having shown the evil they were to abstain from, to keep an acceptable fast, namely, every species of cruelty, the Lord, through His servant here, proceeds to speak of the duty that was required, namely, the exercise of every kind of mercy, as a necessary fruit of true repentance. For there are two parts of righteousness toward our neighbour; one, to do wrong to no man or woman; the other is to do good to all: which two must always go together, and never be separated from each other, especially in acts and seasons of humiliation.