Common Grace & Divine Forbearance

When I see people who do not worship God living good lives, working hard, loving their families, helping others, and experiencing the goodness of life, I see the reality of God’s common grace.

Their ability to live, work, create, love, and enjoy the blessings of life is ultimately sustained by God’s goodness.

At the same time, I see God’s forbearance and patience. God permits humanity to continue living even in its rebellion and does not immediately bring His final judgment. His patience gives people time to turn to Him. But this patience is not eternal. There is an appointed time when God’s forbearance will end and His righteous judgment will come.

God’s goodness toward a person should not be understood as God approving their rejection of Him. Common grace explains the goodness they experience; divine forbearance explains why judgment has not yet come.