# Seeking God, Finding God: A Good Day in the First Week of Lent
*2009-03-05*

> Bill reflects on Matthew 5:45 and a personal story to show that God's goodness is given to everyone, urging listeners to choose kindness and make today a good day.

## Opening Scripture

We begin with Matthew 5:45: “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.” This verse reminds us that God’s grace is indiscriminate, extending to all people regardless of their deeds.

## A Friend’s Test of Faith

A dear friend died at the age of 28 from lung cancer. When I tried to console her, she insisted that the illness was not a sign that God didn’t love her. She would quote the same passage, saying that God sends his rain on both the just and the unjust. She used Scripture to defend an image of an indifferent God, but the passage actually teaches that God’s gifts—sun and rain—are given to everyone, calling us to emulate that generosity.

## Lesson from a Bus Driver

As a child I rode a bus driven by a man named Bill. He treated the most obstreperous children with the same good humor he gave the well‑behaved. Once, as a teenager, I asked him why he was so kind to the “awful” boys. He replied, “I’m not going to let anyone decide who I am or what kind of day I’ll have.” His example showed me that God’s nature is goodness, and that goodness is not contingent on anyone’s actions.

## Living the Call to Love Our Enemies

When Jesus calls us to love our enemies, He invites us to mirror God’s unconditional goodness. Our love should flow from God’s own essence, not from how others treat us. No one else should determine the quality of our day.

## Today's Practice

Begin today by deciding it will be a good day and by committing an act of kindness to everyone you encounter. This choice is yours. Let your kindness be a prayer for the day.

*Choosing kindness makes us participants in God’s indiscriminate goodness.*