The world is like a coin. There are two sides to it.
There is the good and the bad, and there is quite a bit in between.
But there is also a mystery in this world.
Despite the existence of the bad and evil in the world, the good still continue to exist.
In this sense, we see the truth in the gospel passage as Jesus says that God the Father causes the sun to rise on the bad and the good alike, and the rain fall on the honest and dishonest alike.
In that we see the depth of the mercy of God.
In the 1st reading, we see God's unconditional mercy on Ahab even though Ahab's repentance was out of fear of punishment and the sincerity was questionable.
Still God had mercy on him and spared his life.
But why did God said that He will punish Ahab's sons?
It was not so much of a delayed punishment but a warning actually.
If Ahab and his sons do not repent, then they will have to face the consequences of their evil deeds.
When we understand God's mercy, then we will pray for our enemies and those who do evil.
The duty of the good is to be instruments of God's mercy.
And the prayers of the good can bring about conversion and repentance.
That is what it means to be good and to be the children of God the Father.