Thursday, January 11, 2018

The Sun Shines on Us All Without Partiality

"This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up . You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

Matthew 5:38‭-‬48 MSG

I have always loved this scripture!

It is also translated as, "God makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

I love it because I dont see myself as someone who deserves any gifts or blessings from God...but I am humbled and so very grateful that it delights Him to do so!

I have to admit that I also enjoy seeing the self-righteous and self-proclaimed "saints" humbled when God chooses to bless and honor a filthy "sinner" right along side themselves.

The truth is that God is active in ALL of our lives whether we believe in Him and acknowledge Him or not. And if it is Gods desire to bless the "wicked" or the unbeliever then that is what He will do. Being that He IS God I suppose that He can "give his best" to whomever He chooses to without conferring with us!

God, being our example, is telling us...no, COMMANDING us to do likewise.

Don't just extend love, forgiveness and grace to the lovable, but also offer it freely to those who are ignored and outcast as well.

We so often act like children in the way we respond to the implemantation of justice in our own little worlds.

My kids are experts at identifying  injustices around them and seem to be constantly declaring how "unfair" things are!

Furthermore, in certain circumstances they want to know "why are you rewarding ALL of the US together?" when they conclude that they are the only ones who are acting like little "angels". 

Similarly as adults and as "Christians" we also want an explanation as to why God so often rewards the "sinner" right along with the saint?

Our respond, "God, that isn't fair!"

And His response to us is as in the scripture above:

"Grow up!"

"Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you!"

The only thing that isn't fair is our somehow believing that we are entitled to or deserve anything at all that God decides to bestow on his children whether it be His grace, love or forgiveness.

We do ourselves (and others) a huge disservice when we make ourselves the judge of who is worthy of those gifts.

When we fall into that trap we need humbling.

And God humbles us by blessing all of our lives in the manor of grace, not merit.