Yes, It Is Not Fair

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There is a statement many people make in moments of frustration: “Life is not fair.” Often, it is said to express disappointment, imbalance, or the feeling that others have advantages they do not deserve.

But there is a deeper dimension to this truth that only becomes clear when a man begins to understand the ways of the Kingdom of God.

Because if we are to speak honestly, not emotionally but truthfully, then we must admit this:

The Kingdom of God is not simply fair.

At first, this sounds uncomfortable—almost incorrect. But a closer look at the demands of the Christian life reveals something that cannot be ignored.

A believer passes through difficulties that are very real.

He faces:

• Hunger

• Financial pressure

• Delays in answered prayers

• Seasons of uncertainty

• Sometimes even affliction in the body

Yet, in the midst of all these, the requirement of God does not reduce. He is still expected to walk in holiness. He is still expected to forgive. He is still expected to trust. He is still expected to obey. There is no clause that says, “Because you are going through hardship, you are exempted from righteousness.” Scripture is clear:

“Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16, KJV)

That demand stands—regardless of circumstance. And if we are honest, it raises a question in the human heart: Why must a man suffer and still be required to live uprightly? Why don’t the difficulties of life automatically qualify him for divine reward? Why is more still required?

But the answer begins to unfold when we realize that God does not operate on the system of human fairness. He operates on a higher system—one governed by purpose, holiness, and mercy. If hardship alone qualified a man for blessing, then suffering itself would become righteousness. But suffering does not purify the heart—response to God does. Two people can go through the same trial:

• One comes out refined

• Another comes out bitter

The difference is not the pain—it is the posture.

At the same time, the Kingdom is not only “unfair” in its demands—it is also “unfair” in its rewards. Because when God blesses a man, He does not measure according to effort alone.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over…” (Luke 6:38, KJV)

That is not a fair exchange. It is excessive. It is disproportionate. It goes beyond what is deserved. The same pattern appears again:

“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126:6, KJV)

The man went out weeping with seed—but he returns not just with more seeds, but with sheaves. What he receives is greater than what he carried. That is not fairness—that is increase beyond proportion.

And then there is the matter of mercy. Perhaps this is where the idea of fairness completely breaks down. Because mercy, by its very nature, cannot just dwell at the level fairness.

“I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy…” (Romans 9:15, KJV)

If mercy were fair, it would no longer be mercy—it would be wages. Mercy overrides protocols. It lifts a man beyond what his history should permit. It gives what cannot be earned and withholds what is deserved. A man who should have fallen is sustained. A man who should have been disqualified is favoured. A man who should have been forgotten is remembered. This is not fairness. This is God.

So the Kingdom presents us with a paradox:

• The demands are high, regardless of circumstance

• The rewards are abundant, beyond proportion

• The mercy is selective, not mechanical

And none of it fits into the human definition of fairness.

This is why a believer must be careful not to judge (understand) God by human standards. What appears unfair at one stage may be the foundation of something far greater at another.

When a man is required to remain holy in hardship, it is not because God is insensitive—it is because God is building something eternal that circumstances cannot define. And when that same man begins to experience the goodness of God in overflowing measure, he will realize that the system he once questioned is the same that has now lifted him beyond his effort. I do not know anyone who was lifted up by God and they go "Oh yes, I worked for this, I deserve it." There is this sense of "I feel unworthy of this much goodness", even though they had passed through some difficult moments in their lives.

So yes, it is true: It is not fair that a man must endure hardship and still be required to be righteous. But it is also not fair that the same man, having remained with God, begins to receive blessings that far exceed his labor. It is not fair that mercy overlooks what should have disqualified him.

In the end, the believer must come to a settled understanding: He is not dealing with a system of fairness. He is dealing with a God of holiness and mercy. And in that system:

• Holiness is required without compromise

• Blessing is given without measure

• Mercy is extended without explanation

So when next the thought arises that “this is not fair,” quickly remember and encourage yourself with this statement which is equally Biblically true; "when the blessings of God also come, it will come in overflow disproportionate measures. Hallelujah!"

I ask that the Holy Spirit connect you with the unfair advantage of God - Mercy