The Upper Room Devotional for 19th January 2023
Welcome!!! The word of God is food to the spirit man. As you read The Upper Room Devotional Today, may the word of the Lord powerfully impact on you.
Topic: Striving for Humility
Becca Wierwille (Pennsylvania, USA)
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 23:1-12
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
How is God calling me to demonstrate humility today?
The Upper Room Devotional for 19th January 2023
All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. – Matthew 23:12 (NRSV)
Last week, my friend and I had a heated disagreement. At first I didn’t feel like I had anything to apologize for, but I was willing to let it go if my friend apologized. However, as I prayed about the situation, I realized that God was calling me to humble myself and tell my friend that I was sorry. But before I could call her, my friend called and apologized first. Unsettled feelings faded away, and our friendship was restored.
In Matthew 23, Jesus criticized the teachers of the law and the Pharisees for acting for show. Jesus calls his followers to be humble.
It can be hard to know what humility looks like in different contexts. Humility is being willing to apologize; it is quietly doing good deeds without expectation of compensation; it is listening to others with an open heart and mind, knowing there is always more to learn. Let us not exalt ourselves and try to appear better than others. May we instead strive for humility. Only then can we truly love others, and act as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord Jesus, help us to humble ourselves so that we may better serve you. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS
Friends experiencing conflict
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