Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?

Matthew 20:15 (ESV)

 

Jesus uses parables to illustrate the nature and meaning of the Kingdom of God. In the parable of the workers, a wealthy landowner who hires workers to work for him at various times of the day. In the end, everyone is paid the same for their effort. However, the workers who had toiled all day felt this was unfair and condemned the landowner's kindness as unjust.

The economy of the Kingdom differs from the economy of the world. God is just as generous as the landowner, and how much He blesses us does not have anything to do with how much we labour for Him. It is not based on merit but on grace. What the parable does not teach is that we should be lazy and not doing anything; God will continue to bless us. This is where many people misunderstand the gospel of grace.

God is not only just but also merciful.

He does not give us what we deserve, but what we need.

Every one of us is guilty of sin before God, yet some sins are more serious than others in terms of how they violate God's concern for our responsibility to others. Even if our Father's favour is disproportionately granted to those who appear to be the least deserving, no one can accuse Him of providing less than He has promised. This is why we should give thanks to God for our salvation. It is a completely gift of grace from God that no one can earn, much less demand.

When we experience God's generosity, we become generous ourselves, and we can bless others in the same way that we have been blessed. Grace will cause you to hold back from God or others. Rather, grace should make you just and righteous in whatever you do.