God’s Love in the Rain: A Lesson for Us All

A Question of Fairness

Have you ever wondered why good things happen to bad people? It’s a question that nags at us when life feels unfair. Why does the sun shine on both the kind-hearted and the cruel? Why does the rain water the crops of the righteous and the wicked alike? In Matthew 5:45, Jesus gives us an answer that’s as comforting as it is challenging: “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (ESV). This simple verse, tucked into the Sermon on the Mount, reveals a stunning truth about God’s love—and it’s a truth that calls us to live in a way that might just turn our instincts upside down.



A Radical Teaching

To really grasp what Jesus is saying, let’s set the scene. Matthew 5:45 comes from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where Jesus lays out what life in God’s kingdom looks like. He’s speaking to a crowd of everyday folks, challenging the religious norms of the day with a vision of faith that’s all about the heart. Right before this verse, He drops a bombshell: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, ESV). That’s not exactly human nature, is it? But then He points to God’s example in verse 45—God doesn’t play favorites with His blessings, and He expects us to follow suit.

 God’s Common Grace

So, what’s the deal with the sun and rain falling on everyone? This is what theologians call common grace—God’s goodness poured out on all people, no matter who they are or what they’ve done. Sunshine and rain keep the world turning; they’re gifts of life, and God doesn’t withhold them from anyone. It’s not about earning them—it’s about His character. He’s generous, patient, and merciful, even to those who turn away from Him. As Romans 2:4 puts it, His kindness is meant to lead us to repentance. This isn’t a promise of salvation for all, but a glimpse of a God who loves beyond our human limits.

Loving Like God

For Christians, this verse isn’t just a nice thought—it’s a call to action. If God shows kindness to everyone, then we’re supposed to do the same. Here’s how that plays out:

A Command to Live By

Jesus doesn’t suggest loving our enemies; He commands it. For those who take the Bible at its word, this is non-negotiable. It’s tough—loving someone who hates you goes against every fiber of our being—but it’s what marks us as God’s children.

  1. A Light in the Darkness:   When we love the unlovable, we stand out. In a culture that thrives on grudges and getting even, showing kindness to an enemy is radical. Look at someone like Martin Luther King Jr.—his love for those who oppressed him didn’t just reflect Jesus’ teaching; it shook the world.
  2. A Path to Peace:     Here’s the bonus: loving others, even the “unjust,” sets us free. Holding onto anger weighs us down, but letting it go and choosing kindness mirrors God’s heart and brings us peace.
  3. Clearing Up Confusion: Grace vs. Salvation     Now, let’s be clear—God’s common grace isn’t the same as salvation. Some might hear get confused and think this means everyone’s saved because God blesses everyone. But the Bible draws a line: while God’s provision is for all, His saving love is for those who trust in Christ (John 3:16). The rain falls on everyone, but faith is what brings us into God’s family. This keeps the theology straight and true to Scripture.

 A Call to Reflect

Next time you feel the sun on your face or hear rain tapping the window, think about God’s love—steady, generous, and impartial. Then ask yourself: How can I show that kind of love today? Maybe it’s a kind word to someone who’s hurt you, a prayer for an enemy, or a small act of grace in a tough situation. Jesus calls us to live like our Father in heaven, and that starts with loving the just and the unjust alike. In a divided world, that’s a witness worth living out.

This post digs into Matthew 5:45 with a conversational vibe, mixing Scripture, real-life examples, and a clear challenge to love like God does—all while keeping it accessible and grounded in faith.



DMMC 7-17-25

Location: Peru, IN 46970, USA

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