This is a complex question that many believers struggle with. At times, it can seem unfair that those who reject God and live sinful lives appear to be blessed and prosperous. However, the Bible provides some insights into why God allows good things to happen even to those who do not follow Him.
First, it is important to understand that all blessings ultimately come from God. As James 1:17 states, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” Everything we have – our health, talents, resources – are gifts from God’s hand. Jesus said in Matthew 5:45 that God sends rain and sunshine on both the righteous and unrighteous. His common grace and generosity extend to all people, not just those who love Him.
One reason God shows this kindness is because He is merciful and patient, desiring everyone to repent (2 Peter 3:9). He delays judgment in order to give people more time to turn to Him. The blessings He grants are meant to lead people to repentance (Romans 2:4). His kindness is an invitation to know Him.
Additionally, God knows that unless He sustains the world, there would be no opportunity for the gospel to go forth and people to be saved (Matthew 24:14). Acts of providence such as providing food, water, and other blessings are a means by which God upholds the world He created so that His purposes are accomplished.
We also have to remember that what we perceive as “good” may not actually be good from an eternal perspective. Prosperity, health, and success in this world do not indicate God’s favor or blessing. The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13-21 illustrates that what we think is good may actually lead to harm if it distracts us from pursuing God. Conversely, trials that we consider “bad” can produce growth and refinement in our lives (James 1:2-4).
While God lavishes common grace to all, His saving grace is only extended to those who place their faith in Christ. Those who experience His goodness but still reject God as Savior will one day face judgment (Romans 2:5-6). Their blessing in this life will give way to calamity, whereas the righteous will know eternal joy. God’s goodness always aims to lead us to repentance and salvation.
In the end, we may not fully understand God’s purposes, but we can trust His wisdom and goodness. Rather than envy the prosperity of the wicked, we should seek to share the gospel so their hearts turn to Christ. Our mandate is bringing people into a right relationship with God so that their experience of His blessings both now and in eternity are aligned with their worship of Him.
Here are some key Bible verses on this topic:
James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
Matthew 5:45
“For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Romans 2:4
“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”
Acts 14:17
“Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”
Psalm 73:3-5
“For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are.”
Luke 12:15-21
“And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’”
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
Matthew 24:14
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Romans 2:5-6
“But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will render to each one according to his works.”
Ultimately, we can trust that God is perfectly good, wise, and just. Though His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), we know that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). As recipients of His lavish grace through Christ, we can rest in God’s sovereignty even when we don’t understand all His purposes. Our task is living faithfully before Him and extending the hope of the gospel to all people, regardless of their current moral state or earthly prosperity.
Though the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their end will be destruction if they refuse to repent. God patiently shows them goodness and grace now, desiring their salvation. But His judgment will come. The righteous, though experiencing trials now, will know joy eternal. God’s goodness will prevail as His purposes are fulfilled in this world and the next.
We all experience God’s common grace every day. But have you received His saving grace through Jesus Christ? Turn from sin and place your trust in Christ as Lord and Savior. Then you can be assured of blessing both now and forevermore.
May this reflection on God’s Word provide perspective and hope as you seek to honor Him with your life. There are mysteries we won’t fully grasp. But we can trust the One who holds eternity in His hands. He works all things – pleasant and difficult – for our eternal good.