If You Ask For Bread

If You Ask For Bread

Jean Bundas

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? (Matthew 7:9-10 NIV)

She looked up into his face. She knew she had disappointed him. His eyes were dark and foreboding and his mouth grimaced in a firm straight line. She wished he would hurry up and yell at her, or send her to her room… something.

Instead, her father just stood there, looking at her.

Her dad had a jar of change he kept for emergencies. She had been caught taking money out of it. What would happen to her now? She would probably be grounded for weeks, and for an eight year old, that seemed like forever. She knew better than to take something without asking. That was stealing. She looked down at her feet as tears streamed down her face.

Her dad cleared his throat. He took the money jar in his hand and held it out to her. “Here,” he told her gently, “take it. It’s yours to keep.” She looked up at him questioningly. “Everything I have is yours,” he added. “All you have to do is ask. You are my daughter and I love you.”

He handed her the jar and walked away.

No screaming. No spankings. No groundings. Just the love of a father displayed for his child.

Heavenly Father, you are awesome. Your love is beyond our comprehension. Thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. Help us to forgive, as You have so graciously forgiven us.

Take a moment and think about the grace your Heavenly Father has extended to you. Perhaps you never had the opportunity to know such an awesome love from your earthly father. Let the knowledge of God’s grace bring healing to those wounded places. Forgiveness is not a feeling, but rather a choice. Is there someone you need to forgive? Take the first step today by asking God to help you.