Romans 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
We begin a new month with a theme of kindness and giving. We have been given an amazing gift of grace and are filled with peace and joy because of what Jesus did for us, and the covenant we have with God through our faith in His Son and His sacrifice for our sins. It was kindness that God gave us, extending grace to us when we were wholly undeserving and unworthy.
This verse is best understood when you read the entire passage, so take a few minutes to do that now and then come back.
We see in this passage that Paul is talking of the Gentiles, those who had been grafted into the branches of the tree instead of being cut off. The Jewish unbelievers, those who rejected Christ, were cut off, while those who believe, the Gentiles, have been grafted in and given life. We are those branches that have been grafted in. Through His kindness, He has given us life everlasting and eternal. His severity has removed those who do not believe, while those of us who have turned to Him and put our faith in Christ have been saved.
We do not want to be “cut off” from His goodness and grace. Whether you believe this verse to say you can lose your salvation or not, you can lose that spiritual relationship with Him by choosing to walk away, to not walk in His ways. Don’t lose that closeness, that grace, that kindness that He has extended to you. Work out your salvation (Philippians 2:12) and walk in faith and goodness.
Today let’s choose to walk in His goodness and grace, as ones who have been redeemed and saved by His kindness. Turn to Him and let Him guide you through your days.
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