21-22 If God didn’t think twice about taking pruning shears to the natural branches, why would he hesitate over you? He wouldn’t give it a second thought. Make sure you stay alert to these qualities of gentle kindness and ruthless severity that exist side by side in God—ruthless with the deadwood, gentle with the grafted shoot. But don’t presume on this gentleness. The moment you become deadwood, it’s game over.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message The Book of Psalms - eBook
The Message The Book of Psalms - eBook
Retail: $8.99
Our Price: $7.19
Save: $1.80 (20%)
The Message//REMIX - eBook
The Message//REMIX - eBook
Retail: $14.99
Our Price: $9.69
Save: $5.30 (35%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible, hardcover
The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible, hardcover
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $28.23
Save: $11.76 (29%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Daily Message: Through the Bible in One Year - eBook
The Daily Message: Through the Bible in One Year - eBook
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $9.00 (47%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Bible: Large Print Edition, Burgundy Leather-look
The Message Bible: Large Print Edition, Burgundy Leather-look
Retail: $69.99
Our Price: $69.98
Save: $0.01 (0%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars