The Upper Room Devotional 9th January 2025 || How Unfair!
Read and Study Today’s The Upper Room Daily Devotional for January 9, 2025 Message. God bless you as you study today! Please share with your friends and loved ones.
The Upper Room Devotional 9th January 2025 Message:
Topic: How Unfair!
Carol McCracken (Alabama, USA)
Today’s Reading
Matthew 5:43-48
Thought for the Day
God loves my enemies as much as God loves me.
Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
“I can’t believe how much trouble that woman is causing,” I complained to my husband. “She tries to get her finger in everything and is such a gossip, stirring up trouble wherever she goes.”
My husband listened carefully to what I was saying and generally agreed with me. But he asked me to consider something. He pointed out that Jesus loved her just as much as he loved me. That just blew my mind. How unfair! I thought. I was behaving well, and she wasn’t.
I prefer my husband to be supportive by always taking my side. I don’t like it when he’s reasonable and makes sense, requiring me to course-correct! He did give me a little help, though, by suggesting that I pray for eyes to see that woman as God does. Slowly, I began to open up to the idea. God began to show me that she was created in the divine image, just as I was. That alone is worthy of my respect.
Jesus challenges us to love those who are difficult to love. It’s easy to love those who agree with us. But God has called us to a higher standard. While we were still sinners, God loved us anyway. I remain a work in progress. With God by my side through prayer, I am learning that all persons are worthy of my respect.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, thank you for loving us. Help us to see everyone as worthy of love and respect. Amen.
Prayer Focus
Those I find difficult to love
NSPPD Fasting And Prayer 9 January 2025 — Day 4 Prayer Points
