Kindness & Sterness

Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God...

Romans 11:22a

People generally have two images of God--either He is a loving Father, constantly giving His children whatever they want, whenever they ask for it; or He is a mean God who banishes sinners to Hell. 

However, there must be some balance to our perception of who God is. Romans 11:22 advises us to consider both the kindness and the sternness of God. The God of the Bible cannot be only one or the other. 

For those who follow God and serve him wholeheartedly, there is kindness. Now, kindness doesn't mean that every Christian will have a path void of trial or pain. God's kindness is that He sent His Son to die for us and therefore those who call on him receive mercy.

Conversely, for those who deny God, there is sternness. God desires for people to follow him; he demands it. And when people don't obey His commands, He does not respond in kindness. 

This isn't always something people like to hear. However, the good news is that if you are currently receiving the sternness of God, it is easy to begin receiving kindness--ask. The perfect part of this is that in God's kindness, Jesus has already paid the price for your sin. There is not a single thing more you can add to it; God only asks for faith. And if you ask God to renew you, you can begin receiving his kindness and mercy. 

Those who currently claim grace, mercy, and kindness, be on guard so that you don't fall away. In the second part of this verse, Paul reminds us that the way to continue receiving the kindness of God is to keep looking to Him.