How do we know fasting is important for Christians?

Fasting is significant for Christians because it reflects a heart that longs for spiritual nourishment and recognition of our reliance on God. While there is no command in the New Testament to fast, Jesus acknowledges its practice as a natural expression of a believer's faith. It serves to cultivate a deeper intimacy with God and can remind believers of the importance of spiritual over physical needs. Moreover, fasting should be approached humbly and privately, aimed solely at drawing nearer to God, thereby transforming it into an opportunity for genuine worship and faith rather than a display of self-righteousness or a way to gain favor with men.