August 29, 2025
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
"God restrains the effects of sin through common grace, allowing goodness and beauty to remain even in a fallen world."
"God restrains the effects of sin through common grace, allowing goodness and beauty to remain even in a fallen world."
Abraham Kuyper
Would you agree that the world is undeniably broken? That the world is not all that it could be? We do not talk about the "sin" word that much anymore. We seem to resist this label. Yet, the bible demonstrates over and over an undeniable reality that sin distorts relationships, twists desires, and leaves behind scars on us, indeed even on creation itself.
Would you agree that the world is undeniably broken? That the world is not all that it could be? We do not talk about the "sin" word that much anymore. We seem to resist this label. Yet, the bible demonstrates over and over an undeniable reality that sin distorts relationships, twists desires, and leaves behind scars on us, indeed even on creation itself.
However, if we look around carefully, we also see remarkable evidence of God’s goodness breaking through the cracks. Abraham Kuyper identified this in breaking by our creator as common grace, God’s unmerited kindness given to all people, not just believers.
Now we often talk about, and sing about "saving grace", God's grace which redeems and reconciles us to God through Christ. Common grace is the kindness of God that holds the world together, restrains evil, and allows beauty, truth, and justice to shine, even in unexpected places.
Think about a skilled doctor who does not profess a faith in Christ, yet whose expertise and compassion bring healing. Or an artist who may not recognize the Creator God, yet creates works of beauty that move our spirits. Or think of the many countless small blessings that we enjoy and experience from day to day, sunlight warming our face, children’s laughter, the order of laws that prevent chaos. All of these and more are what Kuyper has in mind as evidence that the world remains God’s world, sustained by His guiding hand.
In Matthew 5:45, Jesus highlights the sun and rain as essential elements that sustain life, freely given by God to both the righteous and the unrighteous. This demonstrates that no part of the world is entirely empty of God's presence. Remember we said early this week that there is not a "square inch" in our world that is not under the ownership of God? Even in places where sin appears prevalent, there are still signs of God’s handiwork. While this does not downplay the gravity of sin, it serves as a reminder that God has not forsaken His creation.
This truth, for you and me as believers, this notion of "common grace" keeps us from despair on one hand and pride on the other. We do not lose hope because God’s grace continues to work in the world. Nor do we become prideful, as if God's goodness exists only within the church or the faith community. Instead, we are called to acknowledge, celebrate, and partner with the good wherever we find it, always directing it back to its true source in Christ.
Think about a skilled doctor who does not profess a faith in Christ, yet whose expertise and compassion bring healing. Or an artist who may not recognize the Creator God, yet creates works of beauty that move our spirits. Or think of the many countless small blessings that we enjoy and experience from day to day, sunlight warming our face, children’s laughter, the order of laws that prevent chaos. All of these and more are what Kuyper has in mind as evidence that the world remains God’s world, sustained by His guiding hand.
In Matthew 5:45, Jesus highlights the sun and rain as essential elements that sustain life, freely given by God to both the righteous and the unrighteous. This demonstrates that no part of the world is entirely empty of God's presence. Remember we said early this week that there is not a "square inch" in our world that is not under the ownership of God? Even in places where sin appears prevalent, there are still signs of God’s handiwork. While this does not downplay the gravity of sin, it serves as a reminder that God has not forsaken His creation.
This truth, for you and me as believers, this notion of "common grace" keeps us from despair on one hand and pride on the other. We do not lose hope because God’s grace continues to work in the world. Nor do we become prideful, as if God's goodness exists only within the church or the faith community. Instead, we are called to acknowledge, celebrate, and partner with the good wherever we find it, always directing it back to its true source in Christ.
Let's conclude our week with some reflection questions.
Where have you recently experienced God’s goodness in “ordinary” or unexpected places?
How might common grace change the way you see your neighbors, your community, or even cultural achievements?
In what ways can you join God’s sustaining work in your neighborhood, town, city or workplace?
Let's Pray
Lord, we are grateful for Your sustaining grace in a world that is broken and in need of You. We thank You for the glimpses of beauty, truth, and goodness that remind us of Your hand holding creation together. Would you grant us eyes to see where You are at work and hearts eager to join You in advancing life, justice, and mercy wherever we may be. Amen.
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