Why does God allow both good and evil to experience blessings, according to Matthew 5:45? Immediate Context within the Sermon on the Mount Jesus is commanding His disciples to love enemies (Matthew 5:44). Verse 45 gives the theological ground: believers are to imitate the Father’s indiscriminate benevolence. The contrast is not between ultimate destinies but between daily mercies: sunlight and rainfall—vital blessings in an agrarian culture. Common Grace Defined The historic term “common grace” describes God’s non-saving favour that sustains creation and benefits all people regardless of moral standing. It is “common” (shared by all) and “grace” (undeserved). Scripture echoes this theme: • “The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made.” (Psalm 145:9) • “Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.” (Acts 14:17) God’s Character Revealed 1. Goodness—God’s nature overflows in generosity (James 1:17). 2. Impartiality—He shows no personal favoritism in sustaining life (Romans 2:11). 3. Mercy—He withholds immediate judgment (Lamentations 3:22-23). The sun still shines on blasphemers; crops still grow in idolatrous fields. Such largesse testifies that “He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:25). Purpose: To Lead to Repentance Kindness is meant to soften hearts: “Do you despise the riches of His kindness… not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). Every shared sunrise is an invitation to turn from rebellion. Maintaining Moral Agency and Future Justice If blessings were allotted only to the righteous here and now, rebellion would be coerced compliance, not genuine love. Common grace preserves the arena of free moral choice while final justice remains certain (Matthew 13:40-43; Revelation 20:11-15). Eschatological Perspective: The Parable of Wheat and Tares Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 illustrates God’s patience: wheat (children of the kingdom) and tares (sons of the evil one) grow together until the harvest. Present blessings allow maturation of both, ensuring no premature uprooting of the righteous with the wicked. Evangelistic Implications Believers model the Father’s generosity, removing barriers to the gospel. Practical philanthropy mirrors divine common grace and authenticates the message of saving grace (1 Peter 2:12). Consistency with the Whole Canon From Noahic covenant promises of stable seasons (Genesis 8:22) to Jesus’ universal “He makes His sun rise,” Scripture presents a unified picture: God sustains a finely tuned cosmos. The hydrologic cycle Job described (Job 36:27-28) is now confirmed by meteorology; its precision underscores intentional design, not random happenstance. Addressing Objections • “Blessings prove moral relativism.” Answer: Temporal prosperity is not God’s moral approval; ultimate judgment balances the scales (Psalm 73; Malachi 3:18). • “If God is just, why wait?” Answer: Delay magnifies mercy, provides room for repentance, and increases the glory of final justice (2 Peter 3:9-10). Practical Application for Believers 1. Gratitude—every meal is a reminder of divine patience. 2. Humility—no place for self-righteous gloating over unbelievers. 3. Mission—extend kindness indiscriminately, then articulate the gospel that saves. Conclusion God allows both good and evil to experience blessings to display His overflowing goodness, preserve human freedom, invite repentance, and set the stage for ultimate justice. Matthew 5:45 calls disciples to embody this same expansive love, reflecting the character of the Father until the day saving grace eclipses common grace in the consummation of all things. |
    |