That's not how we test the spirits friend-and I don't like these "pictures" you keep on sending.
Biblical Reference
This concept is articulated in Matthew 7:11 and Luke 11:13. In Matthew 7:11, the verse reads:
Greek: εἰ οὖν ὑμεῖς πονηροὶ ὄντες οἴδατε δόματα ἀγαθὰ διδόναι τοῖς τέκνοις ὑμῶν, πόσῳ μᾶλλον ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς δώσει ἀγαθὰ τοῖς αἰτοῦσιν αὐτόν;
Transliteration: Ei oun hymeis ponēroi ontes oidate domata agatha didonai tois teknois hymōn, posō mallon ho patēr hymōn ho en tois ouranois dōsei agatha tois aitousin auton?
Translation: "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!"
Greek Word Study
Ponēroi (πονηροὶ):
Meaning: This adjective means "evil" or "wicked." It comes from the root word πονηρός (ponēros), which generally refers to moral evil or badness.
Usage: In this context, it refers to human beings, acknowledging the inherent sinfulness or moral imperfection of humanity.
Didonai (διδόναι):
Meaning: This is the present active infinitive form of δίδωμι (didōmi), meaning "to give."
Usage: It indicates the act of giving, emphasizing the habitual or ongoing nature of this action.
Agatha (ἀγαθὰ):
Meaning: This is the neuter plural form of the adjective ἀγαθός (agathos), meaning "good" or "beneficial."
Usage: It denotes the good things or gifts that are given.
Grammatical Structure
The structure of Matthew 7:11 juxtaposes the moral state of humans with their ability to perform good acts, particularly towards their children. The conditional phrase "εἰ οὖν ὑμεῖς πονηροὶ ὄντες" ("If you then, being evil") sets up a comparison with the goodness and generosity of God. The present participle ὄντες (ontes), meaning "being," emphasizes the ongoing state of being evil.
Context
The broader context of this verse is the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where Jesus teaches about the nature of God's kingdom and the righteousness expected of its citizens. In Matthew 7, Jesus instructs His followers on prayer, emphasizing the goodness and reliability of God as a Father. By stating that even evil people know how to give good gifts to their children, Jesus highlights God's far greater goodness and willingness to give beneficial gifts to those who ask Him.
Theological Implications
Human Nature: The acknowledgment of human beings as "evil" aligns with the biblical doctrine of original sin and the inherent fallenness of humanity (Romans 3:23).
God's Goodness: The contrast with God's nature underscores His perfect goodness and generosity, surpassing even the natural affection parents have for their children.
Encouragement to Pray: The assurance of God's willingness to give good things encourages believers to approach Him with confidence in prayer (Hebrews 4:16).
The phrase "those who are evil can give good things" illustrates a profound theological truth about the nature of God and humanity. While humans, despite their inherent sinfulness, can perform acts of goodness, God's goodness is infinitely greater. This understanding calls believers to trust in God's perfect provision and to seek His blessings through prayer.
