Common Grace

Read

Matthew 5:45 "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

Psalm 145:9 "The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."

Think

John Calvin- "There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice."

When we think about God’s grace, we often focus on the saving grace that brings us into a relationship with Christ. But there’s another kind of grace that touches everyone, regardless of their faith: common grace. This is the grace that God extends to all people, enabling us to experience the beauty, joy, and goodness in life. Whether it’s the sun's warmth, the taste of good food, or the love of family and friends, these everyday blessings are all expressions of God’s common grace.

God’s common grace is what restrains evil in the world. Even though sin has tainted everything, God, in his mercy, holds back the full effects of sin, allowing societies to function, people to create, and relationships to flourish. Imagine a world where God completely withdrew his common grace—it would be a place of absolute chaos and despair. But because of his love, God continues to pour out good gifts to everyone, inviting us to recognize his hand in everything.

This grace also serves as a reminder of God’s kindness and patience. Though not everyone acknowledges him, God continues to provide for all, giving people time and opportunity to turn to him. It’s a glimpse of his character—a God who desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. Whether recognized or not, every good and perfect gift reflects God’s heart toward humanity.

As we experience these blessings, let them draw us closer to God, recognizing that every moment of joy, every act of kindness, and every beautiful sight is a gift from him. Common grace is a daily invitation to see God’s goodness in our lives and to respond with gratitude and worship. It reminds us that God’s love is expansive, reaching out to every corner of creation and that we are all beneficiaries of his abundant grace.

Apply

Take a moment to acknowledge something good in your life that you know comes from God’s common grace—like the beauty of a sunset, the kindness of a friend, or the provision of your daily needs. Thank God for his kindness and presence.

Pray

Heavenly father, thank you for the everyday blessings all around me. Help me to be more aware of your presence in the ordinary moments. Open my eyes to see your grace at work in everything I experience and teach me to respond with a heart full of gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.