Day 14 -God Is Kind

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. —Romans 11:22

Christians sometimes struggle with how to interpret this verse. If God is kind, why would He cut off any of His people? Actually, in this verse, Paul is speaking to Israel. Specifically, His words are directed at Gentile Christians who believe that Jewish “branches” of their spiritual family tree were cut off so they could be grafted in—that God no longer accepts Jewish Christians.

In truth, God accepts every person who turns to Him and inclines to the truth. Your background, past sins, family life and other external factors don’t matter to God. Additionally, the Bible promises He will love you with everlasting love and kindness. He does expect you to continue in His kindness—that is, abide in and obey Him. However, God’s motive is to be kind, not to cut people off from Him at will.

Should Christians worry about losing their salvation or being cut off from God? This verse would seem to indicate so, but again that would be a misinterpretation. Here, Paul seems to apply cutting off to those who do not abide in God—those who claim to know him but probably did not to begin with. The Bible tells us true Christians will show their fruit, and that you don’t have to work to produce fruit. If the Spirit is inside you, you and others will be able to tell. If you don’t feel the Spirit working, ask God to show you. In His kindness, He will help you see and become a stronger, more confident Christian over time.