In the fifth week of Lent, Nico Angleys leads us through Romans 11:13–14:12, a powerful section that moves from God’s mysterious plan of mercy to the practical shape of Christian discipleship. Using the image of the olive tree, Paul reminds Gentile believers that we have been graciously grafted into God’s covenant story. This invitation calls us to humility, gratitude, and deeper unity with God’s people.
As the week unfolds, Paul turns from theology to practice: presenting our lives as living sacrifices, loving others sincerely, honoring authorities, awakening from spiritual complacency, and learning not to judge one another. In this season of Lent—through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—we are invited to renew our minds, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and grow in humble love for others.
This episode also offers daily reflection questions to guide your prayer throughout the week.
Daily Reflection Questions
Monday – Romans 11:13–24
- In what areas of my life do I risk spiritual pride by looking down on others God has chosen?
- Where do I exalt myself over others?
- How can I cultivate gratitude for being “grafted in” by His mercy?
Tuesday – Romans 11:25–36
- How does this passage inform our attitudes and practice of Ecumenism in daily life?
- Where am I tempted to question God’s timing or wisdom in others’ lives and stories?
- How might surrendering to His “unsearchable judgments” deepen my worship today?
Wednesday – Romans 12:1–8
- Reflect on and names some of these “mercies of God” in your own life. How do these prompt me to offer my body as a living sacrifice to God?
- Where in my relationships do I struggle with comparison and potentially judgment of my brothers or sisters? How can I discern and steward my unique gifts to serve the body of Christ without comparison?
Thursday – Romans 12:9–21
- This could be a slightly longer exercise, but list out each of the imperatives that Paul writes in this passage. Which one of these is the Holy Spirit nudging me today or this week to make a more active practice in my life?
- Where does pretense or retaliation creep into my relationships?
- In what ways can I actively “overcome evil with good” (v.21) by clinging to what is holy and honoring others above myself?
Friday – Romans 13:1–14
- Consider who was the emperor when Paul was writing this… Nero, perhaps one of the worst emperors when it comes to how he treated Christian. Yet Paul wrote what he did in Romans 13.
- How can I submit to earthly authorities as unto the Lord with my thoughts, speech, money, and my whole life?
- What sleep-like complacency in sin do I need to awaken from this hour and how can I put on Christ today?
Saturday – Romans 14:1–12
- Is there someone in my life who might “be weak in faith” that I might be unknowingly judging or causing to stumble? Paul gives the example of food and use of time (or perhaps even Sabbath practice).
- How can I stand before God’s judgment seat with a heart focused on pleasing Him rather than being right or judging my brother or sister?
The entire list of this year’s readings can be found at 40 Days 2026 Readings & Podcast.
