I Offer You More Than Your Earthly Father Ever Could

March 18

Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

When my three children were young, they were always excited for their birthdays and Christmas.  A big part of that excitement was the anticipation of the gifts they would receive.  My oldest was a book lover so getting the newest book in a series or the latest novel was pretty much a guarantee I’d get a smile from her.  My second child - especially when she was in early elementary school - loved anything with dolls, princesses, and dress up.  She would spend hours doing any one (or all three) of those activities.  My son is the youngest, and he loved all the typical boy gifts: legos, animals, cars, and Nerf guns.  It was a joy to give my children what they asked for (within reason, of course).  Seeing the joy on their faces made it all worth it.

Giving them gifts wasn’t just for their birthday or Christmas.  There were frequent trips to the store where they’d regularly ask for something, and more often than not, they got what they were asking for.  As they’ve gotten older, and are now adults, it still is a joy to surprise them with a gift from time to time.  Why?  They’re my children, and it brings me joy to give them good gifts.  If you’re a parent, you understand the joy that comes from giving gifts to your children.  You love them, and you want good for them.  They are your pride and joy.

If I can give my children good gifts - even though I am sinful (and as the verse says, “evil”), how much more is my Father in heaven able to give me good gifts?  When I think about the joy I have in giving gifts to my children, it gives me just a glimpse of what it must be like for God to give me good gifts.  The joy He feels in blessing me with endless good gifts.  Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above (James 1:17).  Do I recognize the good gifts He gives me?  Is my response one of gratitude for all that God gives me?  He is a good, good Father, and it is His heart to bless me with good gifts.