Into The Breach – Christian FatherhoodSample

Day 4 — Good things

Read: Matthew 7:7-12

Throughout the gospels, Jesus presents God as a loving Father who desires always to do good for his children. Like fathers who have almost limitless concern for their children, God cares for us so intimately that all we have to do is turn to him with our needs. When we ask, seek, and knock, we can be confident that our God will respond in the way that he knows best (vv. 7-8). 

The questions Jesus asks the fathers around him are important to examine (vv. 9-10). Do we give our children a stone or a snake when what they are really requesting are the basics of life? Do we give our children a diversion when they ask for our attention? Do we give them merchandise when they ask for our wisdom? God the Father is our model of generosity and discernment in determining good gifts for our children. How often do we give our children what is mediocre when they need our best? Although we are sinful and God is perfect in love for his children, we can learn how to give good gifts to our children based on the wise parenting qualities of our Father in heaven.

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you,” Jesus exhorts (v. 12 NABRE). What did your father do for you that was most valuable? What do you wish your father had done that he failed to do for you? Do for your children what you desired your parents to do for you. We were all raised by imperfect parents, and we are imperfect in many ways. God does not desire perfection from us, but he desires the best we can give to our children each day.  

REFLECT: What can I give to children that will lead to their optimum spiritual and emotional maturity?  

PRAY: Father in heaven, who gives good things to those who ask him, turn to me as I seek the best for my family. Make me generous and discerning as I learn how to give good gifts to my children.