Matthew 7:11
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
BEREAN.AI
Title: Your Father Gives Good Gifts
Scripture: Matthew 7:11
Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount by talking about fathers and gifts. He says if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him. That's a staggering thought. Jesus calls us evil, yet points to the fact that even evil people love their kids and want to give them good things.
Think about how you give gifts to your children. You don't give them a snake when they ask for fish. You don't hand them a stone when they need bread. Even at your worst, you want to bless your kids. You work extra hours to buy that bike. You skip meals so they can eat. You sacrifice because you love them. That's natural. That's human.
But here's what Jesus wants you to see: you're a better father than God. Not really, of course. But that's how it sounds when you complain that God isn't giving you what you need. When you doubt His goodness because your prayers aren't answered on your timetable. When you think He's holding out on you. You're acting like you love your kids more than God loves His.
Your Father in heaven isn't just good. He's perfectly good. He doesn't make mistakes in gift-giving. He doesn't give you something harmful while thinking it's helpful. He sees the end from the beginning. When He says no, it's because He's protecting you. When He delays, it's because He's preparing something better. When He gives you something you didn't ask for, it's because you didn't know what to ask for.
This means you can stop manipulating God with your prayers. You can quit trying to convince Him to be good. He already is good. You can ask simply, like a child asking their dad for lunch money. You don't need elaborate prayers or spiritual gymnastics. Just ask. Your Father knows what you need before you ask, and He delights in giving good gifts to His children.
Prayer: Father, forgive us for doubting Your goodness. We trust You to give us what we need, not always what we want. Help us ask with simple faith, knowing You are a perfect Father who gives perfect gifts. Amen.
