Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of July 4, 2021

Weekly reading: Romans 11-16; Psalm 33

Passages referenced: Romans 11:5, 23

“It is the same today, for a few people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them.” – Romans 11:5

“And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree.” – Romans 11:23

Undeserved kindness. When I think of what has actually been a force of change in my 36 years, it boils down to a few major acts of kindness extended to me when I didn’t earn it. They were transformational and humbling. The Bible has so many stories of God acting this way to people. There are the people of Nineveh—He changed His mind and extended them mercy instead of destruction. In Exodus, God states He will “lavishly love” those who love and obey Him for 1,000 generations—but He only carries the ill effects of sin for 3 to 4 generations of those who reject Him. The woman at the well—Jesus didn’t cast judgment on her promiscuity; He took her shame and encouraged her to go and live differently. Just flip through the book, and you’ll see acts of undeserved kindness demonstrated throughout.

It has the power to diffuse some of the uglies of life, to bring peace and a new beginning.

Picture this scene: after a busy workday with a hungry and tired body, you journey through the grocery store to grab just two items needed at home. You round the corner to see lines of stuffed grocery carts sitting stagnant. Let’s also say one of the only two cashiers open has his blinking light on for help. And just for fun, everyone has a handful of coupons, a slew of kids all under the age of 5, and (bonus) each one is finishing a sugary red sucker. (I’m feeling the panic!)

Then, a kind someone up ahead waves to you to cut in front of him in line. Just grafts you right in there. In all reality, you should have had to wait behind all of those overflowing carts amidst all the chaos. What an act of undeserved kindness! Your feelings of frustration and powerlessness melt, and you walk out of the store thankful and calm.

If God’s grand act of undeserved kindness in grafting us in through Jesus wasn’t enough, Romans 11:23 shows us He is willing to do it repeatedly. We have an opportunity to come back to Him when we stray in disobedience. He always has His grafting tools ready.

When in your life did someone extend kindness to you that you didn’t earn? How did it move you? How have you shown someone undeserved kindness this week?

Ask God to let you be part of His work in this way—ask Him to give you an opportunity to show His transformational kindness. These genuine acts will draw others to Him and bring glory to His name.

Just a note of clarification: some of us are working on building healthy, God-intended boundaries. Undeserved kindness is not the same as ‘doormat’ kindness—extending grace like a revolving door without healthy self-protection. If this strikes a chord, please pursue finding someone with a heart and training to help you navigate establishing those good and necessary limits. – Brandy Carman

• As we’re finishing our reading of Romans this week, you may want to check out The Bible Project’s overview videos of the book of Romans again. Part One covers chapters 1-4 and Part Two covers chapters 5-16. It is an excellent source for background information and context that walks through the book’s sections and themes. It can be really helpful for those who appreciate some visuals while learning.

• Do you have questions about this week’s Bible reading? We’d love to help! Rather than relying on the first thing you find on the internet, email us at biblequestions@warsaw.cc. We are more than happy to answer that nagging question you have, provide you with some clarity, or point you in the right direction for further study.