“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!” — Matthew 7:11 (NKJV)
At the heart of this verse is a powerful truth: God is good, and He delights in blessing His children. Jesus speaks these words during the Sermon on the Mount, a message filled with radical love, divine wisdom, and comfort for the soul. And here, He invites us to see God not as a distant ruler, but as a loving Father — one who gives, not reluctantly or sparingly, but abundantly and joyfully. He is a good gift giver.
Even the most flawed earthly parents-those who are still learning, still struggling, still sinful—have an instinct to bless their children. They provide warm meals, offer hugs, assist with homework, and occasionally treat their children to something special, just to see them smile. And yet, Jesus makes it clear: if we know how to give good gifts in our imperfect love, how much more will God, who is perfect in love and wisdom, bless those who come to Him?
This isn’t a promise that God will grant our every wish. He’s not a vending machine or a cosmic genie. But it is a promise that when we come to Him in prayer — with open hearts and honest needs — He hears us. He responds. He gives what is good, even when it doesn’t look like what we expected. Sometimes the “gift” is a closed door that protects us. Sometimes it’s patience when we want speed. Sometimes it’s the comfort of His presence when all we asked for was a solution.
And more than just meeting material needs, God gives eternal gifts: peace that surpasses understanding, strength in weakness, joy in sorrow, wisdom for decisions, forgiveness for sin, and the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. He has already given us His greatest gift — Jesus Christ, who laid down His life so we could be called children of God. And if He gave us Jesus, can we not trust Him to care for every other detail of our lives?
Jesus encourages us not to hesitate in asking. The invitation is clear: ask, seek, knock (Matthew 7:7). God’s heart is open, His ears attentive, and His hands ready to bless.
So today, come boldly. Don’t let past disappointments, shame, or fear silence your voice. Your heavenly Father sees you. He knows you. And He is more generous than you could ever imagine.
Reflection Questions:
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What good gifts has God given you in the past that you may have overlooked?
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Are there areas of your life where you’ve been afraid or hesitant to ask God for help?
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How does viewing God as a loving Father change the way you approach Him in prayer?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being a good and gracious gift Giver. You know my needs, my heart, and my limitations, and yet You love me completely. Thank You for the countless blessings You’ve already poured into my life — seen and unseen. Help me to trust that when I come to You, You will always respond in love and wisdom. Teach me to pray with boldness and faith, knowing that You are for me. Shape my desires to align with Your will, and give me the patience to wait for Your perfect timing.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.