Matthew 5:45
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 5:45
This verse links divine care to moral conduct, showing that God’s goodness extends to all people—evil and good, just and unjust. The sun rises, rain falls, and crops prosper not just for the righteous but for all. The point is not a universal endorsement of every action but a testimony to God’s impartial grace that sustains life. Jesus uses this image to instruct his followers to reflect God’s generous character in their own lives, even toward those who oppose them. The call to imitate the Father’s indiscriminate kindness invites believers into a rhythm of life marked by mercy and grace rather than entitlement or prejudice.
Theologically, this underscores God’s sovereignty and mercy as the basis for ethical behavior. It reframes righteousness as relational generosity that transcends merit and redefines blessing as a shared human experience. The verse also sets up the Beatitudes and the call to be perfect in love by modeling God’s universal grace.
In practice, this means treating enemies with kindness, extending mercy to those who oppose you, and cultivating gratitude that acknowledges God’s common grace in the world. It’s a reminder not to withhold generosity due to someone’s beliefs or status. When planning charitable actions, consider how your generosity might reflect God’s impartial care.
Cross-References: Psalm 145:9; Luke 6:35-36; James 1:5; Acts 14:17; Matthew 6:26