God's Goodness Rains Even on the Ungodly

     (Reflecting on Genesis 26-27) The fact that Isaac didn't retract a blessing that had been given under a guise of deception (of Jacob and Rebekah) is quite alarming.  It is quite an interesting thing that God had set His blessing, eye and hand on the one who was known for lying and manipulation.  Like, what. The. Heck?  There were so many spiritual inconsistencies, and yet, God prophesied favor and blessing on the one who least deserved it.
     Which gets me thinking...Do I demand that God bless those who I think deserve it?  There are moments, that in being wronged, I desire justice, but the truth is, I can also demand justice to the point that I will demonize the offender until accountability or change has been proven evident to my eyes.  Nothing less suffices.  But Jesus says to love our enemies.  Even when I'm hurt, can I bless my enemies?  Or do I require that God's blessings and goodness be based on one's merit?
     So often, people want mercy for themselves but require retribution for those who have done wrong.  And yet, sometimes the way God works is that He chooses to work in the offender and sinner, rather than the one who has the "perfect" background.  Can I expect God's glory and work to flourish in and through the life of someone who I've known well enough to witness their spiritual inconsistencies?
     I'm not saying accountability shouldn't be considered.  It should.  But can I trust that God is at work - and desires to manifest His glory in the most unlikely (and most undeserving) of people?  After all, I bet there are people who know me well enough they could point out my spiritual inconsistencies...and I'm trusting Jesus to continue His redemptive work in me.
     This discussion of God's glory and goodness be manifested in the lives of our enemies is so counter to our humanity, because frankly, it is easier (and more comfortable) to believe that God pours His favor based on our merit.  We like it, but it smells of social Darwinism and of the prosperity gospel.  On some level, we remain convinced that evidence of God's blessing is showing how well things go.  (Paradoxically, this isn't so.  Can't tell you how many times a God-thing usually was succeeded by a hellish storm, afterward. Just because things aren't bliss or easy doesn't mean it isn't a God thing.  Another topic for another time, I suppose.)
     God's goodness is showered on the godly and ungodly; on the righteous and the wicked.  Again...this isn't to say we stay silent in the face of unhealthy behaviors and sin.  But in the quiet moments, it is imperative to believe that the grace Jesus afforded for us, God desires for our enemies.
     Speaking of grace and learning to walk away from a works-mindset, I am finding that grace has become MORE REAL when God is challenging me to go deeper with my forgiveness.  It's not just letting go of an expectation of an apology.  It is also wanting God to extend His love, favor and purpose upon those who have hurt me.
     Grace has become self-reflective, because if I want justice to be held over others' heads and even considering God's heart to transform the hearts of enemies, I still need to answer the following question: how much should I be requiring works to be the standard for which God's favor will flow?  For what standard I hold over others, I must hold over myself.  And if I can admit that I need Jesus to work in my life, and trust Him to do that in His timing, then maybe I need to extend the same grace to others, especially those who I so easily can point out their shame.