The Upper Room 11th January 2024 Devotional || Love One Another
The Upper Room 11th January 2024 Devotional || Love One Another
Read and Study Today’s The Upper Room Daily Devotional for January 11, 2024 Message written by Arlene Rains Graber (Kansas, USA). God bless you as you study today! Please share with your friends and loved ones.
TODAY’S READING
Colossians 3:12-17
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
It doesn’t cost anything to be nice.
Put away . . . all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:31-32 (NRSVUE)
My day started with hurt and irritation from a friend’s critical remarks. While I ran errands my anger grew, and I began to develop a grudge. The grocery store parking lot was full, but I spotted an open space one lane over. I sped up and rounded the corner to grab it but then saw a car approaching with its blinker flashing. I scowled as I waited for the other driver to park. But to my surprise, the man stopped and waved me into the parking spot. I was grateful but unmoved by the gesture.
I raced through the store and found myself behind the same man in the check-out lane. He turned, smiled, and began emptying my cart for me while the cashier scanned his items. I stood amazed. I returned the smile and thanked him for both good deeds. He shrugged and said, “It doesn’t cost anything to be nice.” I cringed and felt my face go red as I remembered Jesus’ command: “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (Jn. 13:34). I realized I was angry over something trivial, and a sudden rush of gratitude swept over me. I am thankful for the man whose acts of kindness had an impact on my attitude.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, help us to focus on being kind when things don’t go our way. May we always remember to love one another no matter what the circumstances. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS
Someone harboring a grudge
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