“Is there anyone among you who, if your child asked for bread, would give a stone? Or if the child asked for a fish, would give a snake? If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children . . .”(Ref. Below)

Ah, the words of Jesus. Spoken by many, followed by few.

When it comes to mental health, autism, and other such things, I’d offer a paraphrase:

Of course none of you, if someone you had some responsibility for asked you for help would give you nothing. Or, if they came to you to be comforted, you would scare them.

It’s amazing to realize this is what Jesus said that “evil” people do for their children. Yet, that’s not always true.

So, the question, I can imagine will be, what is a “child.” Jesus made that clear. It’s everyone, but especially those who need help.

Matthew 7:9-11

New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.