Romans 11:11-12
16 If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; and if the root is holy, then the branches also are holy.
As we make our way through Romans, it is interesting at every turn how Paul is helping us understand just how amazing Christ is for us in this world. There are so many groups, clubs and even families that membership is conditional. He is speaking specifically to the Gentiles in this passage, the new Roman Christians, and helping them understand how they fit into the Jewish faith from which both he and Jesus stemmed from.
Even if there are some who do not believe in Christ, what Paul is helping us understand by using another nature analogy is that all of us are holy in God’s eyes. No matter where you go, what you do, or where you are from, nothing can separate us from the love of God through Christ. Nothing. We are each rooted in God and even grafted from other families. We might have different beliefs but we are all part of God’s holy family. Paul is helping us to move past our inclination to judge the other as being more or less worthy to be part of God’s world. We are all holy because we are God’s.
I often have to remind myself of this very message when I get frustrated with someone. Knowing that God loves each of us just as much as the other helps keep me from judging someone as worthy or not worthy of love. If God loves that person just as much as God loves me, then I need to love them as well.
Prayer
Big God of Boundless love, thank you for reminding me that we are all part of you. You make each one of us holy and call us to be part of your holy family. Help us to welcome the other in love and understanding without judgment of being worthy. For in your eyes, we are all worthy and welcome. In Jesus Name, Amen.