Romans 11:17-24
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted among the others to share the rich roof of the olive tree, 18 do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember: you do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off on account of unbelief, but you stand on account of belief. So do not become arrogant, but be afraid. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen but God’s kindness toward you, if you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And even those of Israel, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you have been cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree.
Paul continues in this passage to address the gentiles who, using Paul’s natural language, have been grafted into the family of God. He is instructing folks not to boast about how they came to God. Sometimes I think that it is human nature to boast about our own life and story. But rather than boasting about our own stories, we should be grateful instead for our own story and not spend our time and energy comparing ourselves to others.
This is a lesson for the ages. As humans, that is often what we do. We compare ourselves to others. Sometimes comparison can help to inspire us toward making better choices but often it serves to create feelings of envy or inadequacy. One of my favorite movies is My Big, Fat Greek Wedding. There is a great speech by the father at the end of the movie as he is speaking to the differences in their now joined families. He states, “You know, the root of the word Miller is a Greek word. Miller come from the Greek word “milo,” which is mean “apple,” so there you go. As many of you know, our name, Portokalos, comes from the Greek word “portokali,” which mean “orange.” So, okay? Here tonight, we have, ah, apple and orange. We are all different, but in the end, we all fruit.”
The same is true of our Christian family. It doesn’t matter how any of us come to the table but rather that we are here and God welcomes us all. Our job is not to compare ourselves to others but to welcome the other just as God welcomed each of us—in God’s time with arms wide open.
Prayer
God of welcome, we are grateful to be part of your loving family. As we compare ourselves to others, help us to see your grace in the others. You call us to live in love and not in jealousy or boasting. Fill us with a sense of gratitude for our welcome place in the family of God. In Jesus Name, Amen.
YES!!!