“So if you, despite 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)
Despite being evil? Me? Notice how Jesus just says this in a matter-of-fact way. Yes, we are separated from the Lord. We have all sinned and continue to do so. Our Lord is giving us instructions on how to move from being evil to the place where we give as we have received. Ask the Father for the fruits of the Spirit and He will grant to you those things that will move you forward toward the goal of becoming like Christ.
Lord, you know where I am and what the state of my heart is. You know that I give up and do not press on toward becoming like You all too often. You also know where I can give, but do not. Help me to repent and turn from what is evil so that I may give as You give. I give good things to those I love, but You have commanded me to love my neighbor. Help me to consider all as my family.
Lord Jesus, I know parts of those things which run contrary to what You are saying. I believe there is probably much more that needs to be worked on. Help me today to see what I need to see and where I am being stingy, help me to move on and be helpful to my neighbor. Help me to see that You are the One who is leading and then help me to follow You wherever You lead me. Amen.
