Bread or Stone...Which Would You Give?

"What man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?" Matthew 7:9

This question is supposed to be rhetorical but sadly to say in a lot of cases the answer would be yes. Let's examine this closer with a look at the words being used to broaden the application of this powerful scripture from the Bible.

This one-liner is taken from a passage in the Bible where the love is God is being metaphorically expressed in comparison to our love for our children. The point of the passage is, if we who are sinners know how to do "right" by our children, how much more should we expect of God, our Father and Creator.

Unfortunately, in this day and time, we cannot assume parents will do "right" by their children. For the sake of this blog, we will use the word "son" in a broader scope as someone with whom you have a relationship. This can be a relative, spouse, close friend, business partner or pastor. Basically someone who has value in your life.

The word "bread" means food. Food is a life sustaining necessity. Therefore "bread" in this passage could mean whatever is of vital importance to sustain life. This can be the life, vitality or longevity of a person, a relationship, organization, or anything where you are invested and connected.

Lastly, a "stone" being given in the place for bread. This would be utterly sardonic to give someone a stone when they are in need of bread. They cannot eat a stone. Nonetheless, thinking about the time period from which this scripture was written. Rendering a stone would not only be an insulting gesture but it could also be a dangerous or deadly gesture.

In biblical times, stones were used to kill people. Sometimes people were "stoned" to death. Let's think about this. Someone you're close to comes to you and asks you for something that may sustain life or the vitality of something, yet instead of giving them what is necessary, you give them give basically nothing. That very stone could be used as a weapon against you. We generally create our own outcomes by the way we think and treat others.

If we assume that the person who has asked you, authentically cares about you and decides to be the "better" person, you might not have to worry about them inflicting harm to you. Nonetheless, that stone might become the condition of their heart towards you. They asked you for life but in exchange you sowed death. That could be death of many things depending on the situation.

If you attend a church and the Pastor comes before you asking for bread (money) and in turn you give a stone (closed fist), you have just contributed to stunting the growth of that ministry. If your business partner asks you for bread (extra time, work, or capital) and in turn you give him a stone (excuses and lackadaisical attitude), then you are contributing to the failure of your business. If your spouse comes to asking you for bread (emotional transparency and communication) and in turn you give him (avoidance and resistance), you are contributing to the demise of your marriage.

It's easy to say we love people and are committed. Nonetheless, how much are you really willing to give to truly express love and commitment. There is no love without sacrifice.