“For God said to Moses, ‘I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.’ So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.”

Romans 9:15-16 NLT

At first glance, this parable in the Bible seems to portray an unfair act by the kingdom of God.

The story goes like this: The owner of a vineyard goes out early in the morning to hire laborers to work in his vineyard. He agrees to pay them a daily wage of one silver coin.

Later, at 9 o’clock, he finds more laborers standing idle and invites them to work in his vineyard, offering the same daily wage of one silver coin.

He does the same again at noon and at 3 o’clock.

Finally, around 5 o’clock, he sees more men standing around doing nothing and asks why. They respond that no one had hired them. So the owner sends them too into his vineyard, promising to pay them a fair wage.

When evening came, the manager was instructed to pay the workers, beginning with those hired last. The ones who came at 5 o’clock received the full day’s wage of one silver coin. He then paid those who came at noon, 3 o’clock, and early morning—the same wage.

“When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, ‘Those people worked only one hour, and yet you’ve paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.’”

Matthew 20:11-12 NLT

The owner replied, “Didn’t you agree to work for one silver coin? Take your pay and go.”

His response may sound stern, but he was teaching a deeper truth when he said,

“Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?” (Matthew 20:15 NLT)

This story clearly and boldly reveals that God’s grace and mercy are poured out according to His will. We see this again at the cross—one thief was saved at the very last moment, while Judas, who walked with Jesus for years, met a tragic end.

This parable reminds us to be content with the grace that God showers upon our lives and not to envy the kindness He extends to others.

The very invitation to work in the vineyard was an act of grace. The owner could have easily passed by those laborers, but they found favor in his eyes. They had no right to question his generosity—just as we have no right to question the way God chooses to bless others.

In the same way, God can save a thief, a murderer, a prostitute, or a Samaritan and equip them mightily for His kingdom—just as He can use someone who has served Him faithfully for years.

If we compare ourselves or become jealous of God’s kindness toward others, we risk missing the joy of receiving our own blessings.

The kingdom of God operates by His sovereign will, mercy, and grace—not by human logic or fairness. God sees what we cannot see, hears what we do not hear, and plans far beyond what we can perceive.

The gifts, talents, possessions, relationships, and circumstances surrounding you are all handpicked and aligned according to His divine purpose.

So instead of comparing, choose gratitude. Count your blessings. Jealousy will never change the heart of God—He will still show mercy to whom He chooses and grace to whom He wills.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing grace and mercy. Help me to trust Your divine wisdom and timing, knowing that every blessing comes from Your hand. Deliver me from envy and comparison, and fill my heart with gratitude for the grace You have freely given. In Jesus’ name, Amen.