👉 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 11:22. It’s a pretty profound and complex idea, so we'll go through it step-by-step: Here’s the core meaning: God isn’t just angry with us; He wants to help us grow and become better people. But, he also wants to protect us from being hurt or lost. He has two ways of doing this: 1. Severity (The “Falling”): When people fall short – when they don't follow God’s guidance, make bad choices, or struggle with temptation – that's like falling down a hill. It causes pain and hardship for us . Think of it as a setback – we lose something valuable. 2. Goodness (The “Continuing in His Goodness”): But, crucially, God also wants to help us keep going! He’s offering us a chance to learn from our mistakes, to become better, and ultimately, to be blessed. This is where the “if you continue in his goodness” part comes in. So, what does it mean to “continue in His goodness”? It means to: Stay faithful: Keep following God’s principles and teachings. Be patient: Don't give up easily – even when things are tough. Seek forgiveness: Apologize for our mistakes and ask for His forgiveness. Grow in faith: Strive to understand Him better and trust in His plan. In essence, God is offering a chance for growth and redemption. He’s giving us the opportunity to become more like Him – even if it means facing challenges. It's about being chosen to be blessed and saved. Think of it this way: Just like a tree that falls from a hill can survive, but isn't as strong as one that remains rooted, we can make mistakes, but with God’s guidance and perseverance, we can become stronger and more valuable. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Give a real-life example related to this verse (like a story or situation)?