One of the basic tenants of economics is the concept of supply and demand. If the quantity for something is scarce and demand is high then the expectation is that prices should rise. Inversely, if something is abundant and demand is low then market dynamics will push prices down. But how does this apply to God’s grace which is infinite?
[62:4] Such is GOD’s grace that He bestows upon whomever He wills. GOD is Possessor of Infinite Grace.
ذَٰلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ
Like everything else in life, when something is abundant it is more likely that we, as consumers, will take such items for granted. Consider the basic necessities in life: our bodies, the air we breathe, or the water we drink; that despite the fact that we are absolutely dependent on these things to survive we probably do not value them as much as we should. It is not until our bodies give out, our breathing is restricted, or we are stranded in a desert do we realize the true value for these precious items.
God’s grace works in a similar manner, because it is so abundant most people take it for granted.
[22:74] They do not value GOD as He should be valued. GOD is the Most Powerful, the Almighty.
Not only does abundance make a person turn unappreciative, after a while individuals will feel entitled to it. This is why God, out of His mercy, will restrict it for us when we forget in order for us to remember. Because unlike the air we breathe, or the water we drink, which only affects our bodies in this world, turning unappreciative and leaving this world in that state will affect us forever.
[41:49] The human being never tires of imploring for good things. And when adversity befalls him, he turns despondent, desperate. [41:50] And when we bless him after suffering some adversity, he says, “This belongs to me. I do not believe that the Hour will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will find at Him better things.” Most certainly, we will inform the disbelievers of all their works, and will commit them to severe retribution. [41:51] When we bless the human being, he turns away, and drifts farther and farther away, and when he suffers any affliction, he implores loudly. [41:52] Proclaim: “What if this is truly from GOD, then you decide to reject it? Who are farther astray than those who decide to oppose this?”
Although God possesses infinite grace, He knows that if He was to flood the people with His grace they would turn unappreciative as they begin to devalue it and treat it as a commodity.
[42:27] If GOD increased the provision for His servants, they would transgress on earth. This is why He sends it precisely measured to whomever He wills. He is fully Cognizant and Seer of His servants.
But if we can maintain righteousness by staying appreciative and value God’s grace accordingly, then there is no limit to how much grace God can provide to a person.
[14:7] Your Lord has decreed: “The more you thank Me, the more I give you.” But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe.
So despite God’s grace being infinite it is our own decisions that limit its supply in the market. Therefore, because of this any good we experience is from God while any bad that afflicts us is only because of ourselves. Hence, if we want to only experience the good without the bad then it is up to us to be more appreciative.
[4:78] Wherever you are, death will catch up with you, even if you live in formidable castles. When something good happens to them, they say, “This is from GOD,” and when something bad afflicts them, they blame you. Say, “Everything comes from GOD.” Why do these people misunderstand almost everything? Anything good that happens to you is from GOD, and anything bad that happens to you is from you. We have sent you as a messenger to the people, and GOD suffices as witness.
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