“… so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
5:45
so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.
Love is characteristic of God’s children—like Father, like son. The basis of our love is found in the nature of the Father. Loving enemies is God-like.
The word “be” is become. This word means “become something that you were not before.” The idea is to enter into a new state. The new state is to enter the domain of the Father’s character.
For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good,
This and the next phrase refer to what theologians call “common grace.” God’s love is impartial. This is God’s grace. He gives His grace to people whether they deserve it or not. He does not give to people what they deserve.
and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
God’s care extends to believer and unbeliever alike. He is indiscriminate in His providential care over His creatures. Since God is good to the righteous and unrighteous alike, believers are to follow His pattern—no discrimination toward the objects of our love.
PRINCIPLE:
Give to others impartially, without discrimination for who they are.
APPLICATION:
Love is an issue of the will, not sentiment. It is a matter of determination. Don’t fight back but love back. Do it with a sense of impartiality. Give to others based on your character, not theirs.
