Romans 11:19-22, Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

Paul speaks of his own brothers with passion for them, to see them come to faith, even to make them jealous because of we who have been blessed by the Gospel. We have no room for pride; and we are but branches in the nourishing root that is Jesus Christ; he is the vine, we are the branches deriving all our nourishment from him. Let us not ever turn away from God’s amazing lovingkindness shown to us through Jesus Christ our Lord! Do we recognize that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom?

We thank you for your amazing grace, your lovingkindness toward us by faith in Jesus Christ!