Caffeinated Crunchy Christian Moms

Read: Romans 11-12

Today’s reading was really good, in my opinion, and I found myself doing a lot of highlighting and note-taking. Romans 11 is such a clear reminder that our faith begins and ends with grace.

“If by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” -Romans 11:6

Salvation is not something we earn. It is a gift.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.” -Ephesians 2:8-9

Another verse that stood out to me was:

“For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.” -Romans 11:32

This verse is both humbling and comforting. It reminds me that God’s mercy is available to everyone, not because of our goodness, but because of His.

Paul closes Romans 11 with praise, saying:

“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” -Romans 11:36

Everything truly comes back to God.

As we move into Romans 12, we begin to see how this grace should shape the way that we live.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” -Romans 12:2

We read that transformation starts in the mind. Daily surrender to God is part of that process.

Paul goes on to remind us that we all have different gifts, each given by God’s grace. Remember, God created each of us with a plan and purpose. Every gift matters, and each one is meant to be used for God’s glory. Something that you feel passionate about, might just be a call on your life to use that gift for God’s glory. Pray over it.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” -Romans 12:6–8

Romans 12 also speaks so clearly about love in action: being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, blessing those who persecute us, refusing revenge, and overcoming evil with good.

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” -Romans 12:20–21

Obviously easier said than done, but still, something we should strive for. This kind of love is challenging, but it reflects the heart of Christ. In that same spirit, Paul writes:

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” -Romans 12:13

The word hospitality here carries more weight than we might realize. It can also mean to contribute to, to pursue, or even to chase after. The Greek word used is philoxenia, which literally means love for the stranger: philo meaning love and xenia or xenos meaning stranger or foreigner. Biblical hospitality isn’t just being kind to people we already know, we need to try to reach brothers and sisters that don’t have a relationship with God. This theme runs throughout Scripture, and God consistently calls His people to open their hearts to others (Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9; Luke 19:1-10; Ephesians 2:13-22).

In this reading today, we see how clearly Scripture shows that we cannot work our way into heaven. Faith and repentance, acknowledging that we are sinners, is enough. No matter your past, no matter the choices you’ve made, no matter the sins you’ve committed, we all fall short. God already knew we would never make it on our own, which is why He sent Jesus.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” -Romans 3:23

Here’s a different way to think of it: if you were stranded in the middle of the ocean, you might be able to swim a little, float for a while, or wave your arms for help to distant passerbyers, but none of those things would actually SAVE you. You would need rescue. That’s how it is with sin. We can do good things, be kind, read our Bible, attend church, worship, serve others, but none of those things save us. Only Jesus saves us.

God gives us commandments and guidance not as a checklist to earn salvation, but as loving direction. When we live in obedience, we stay on the path God has already set for us; a path designed to protect us and keep us rooted in faith.

As a parent, this resonates deeply with me. I have rules and boundaries for my children; not to control them, but to keep them safe. In the same way, God’s instructions are there to protect us from sin, from harm, and from the enemy. I tell my toddler that mommy’s job is to keep him safe. Is he always going to listen to me? Hahaha, no, he’s three! Regardless, both my, as a parent, and God’s guidance are rooted in love.

Discussion Questions

1. Which spiritual gift do you feel most connected to right now?
2. Are there practical ways that you can “practice hospitality” without overextending yourself?

A Note from the Author