“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.“
— Romans 11:22 KJV
Reflection on Today's Verse
God isn’t a one-note character. He’s not just kindness wrapped in a heavenly blanket. He’s also holy. Sharp. Uncompromising when it comes to truth. That’s what Paul’s getting at here—God is both wonderfully generous and terribly serious.
Imagine two sides of the same coin. One side: goodness, mercy, adoption into His family. The other: severity, justice, consequences. Not a contradiction—just completeness. He’s not the God of loopholes. He’s the God of wholeness.
Paul isn’t fear-mongering here; he’s reality-checking. Gentile believers were grafted into the story of Israel. That’s grace. But it’s not a license for arrogance or apathy. If God didn’t spare Israel when they stopped trusting Him, why should we expect a free pass while we live like we don’t need Him?
The kindness is real. So is the warning. Don’t treat God’s grace like it’s disposable. Stay in it. Continue. Not to earn His favor—but because you have it.
Personal Prayer
Father, thank You for Your goodness—it overwhelms me. Thank You also for Your severity, because it reminds me You are not to be trifled with. Help me stay grounded in awe, not arrogance. Keep me near Your grace, not drifting toward entitlement.
If I ever grow cold or casual with Your mercy, shake me. Don’t let me forget what it cost. Let my heart stay soft. Let my faith stay rooted. I don’t want to just visit Your goodness—I want to live there.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.