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 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the Sermon on the Mount, in the section often called “Love Your Enemies” (Matthew 5:43-48). Jesus has just commanded His disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). Here He explains why: such love marks them as children of their heavenly Father.

Meaning

Jesus points to the sun and rain as everyday proofs of God’s impartial generosity. The Father makes His sun rise on both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. These gifts are essential for life, and God gives them freely to all people, regardless of moral character. The point is not that everyone becomes a child of God by doing good works; rather, believers, already children of God through faith, are to act in a way that reflects their Father’s character.

The verse highlights two truths. First, God’s fatherhood: as His children, believers are to imitate His impartial love. Second, God’s generosity: His blessings extend to everyone, demonstrating that His love is not conditional. The term “children” here speaks of family likeness—showing in conduct the character of the One whose children we are.

Biblical connections

The following verse (Matthew 5:46) reinforces the standard: if we love only those who love us, we earn no reward. This call to universal love echoes the broader biblical theme of God’s common grace, by which He provides for all creation.

Application

We are challenged to extend love and kindness even to those who seem undeserving, just as God does. This does not mean approving of evil, but reflecting the Father’s generosity in our daily relationships.

Reflection

Consider how God’s sun and rain fall on your own life, and how you might show that same impartial kindness to someone today.