The Upper Room 16 February 2022 Devotional || Wednesday Message
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Loneliness
Beverly Taylor (Arizona, USA)
KEY VERSE: Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:39 (NRSV)
The Upper Room 16 February 2022 Devotional MESSAGE
Social media has captivated our world. The Internet and wireless communications have created unprecedented global interaction. But in spite of this connection, our society is experiencing a surge of loneliness.
In response to this loneliness, there are now programs in large metropolitan areas to encourage socializing. The U.K. even has a “Minister for Loneliness” to combat social isolation and reduce associated health risks. These are new public strategies to battle loneliness, but what is my personal strategy as a Christian?
READ: Joel Osteen Today 16 February 2022 Devotional || Come Out of Your Shell
The obvious one is to love my neighbor as myself. Jesus told us that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others. But this law of love often illuminates my shortcomings. In stores, doctors’ offices, my neighborhood, or other public places, I can easily become self-absorbed and oblivious to those around me — sometimes while on my cell phone. Instead of connecting with those who physically cross my path, I become captivated by virtual connections.
I now pray for help to be present in the moment and attentively greet the people around me. Our individual efforts to live Jesus’ commandment and ease loneliness in our world can feel insignificant. But when Christians truly seek to love God and love others, we can make a real difference.
READ ALSO: In Touch Daily Devotions 16 February 2022 || The Effectiveness of God’s Way
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Jesus, help us to live your commandment to love you and to love others. Amen.
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 22:34-40
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Today I will show God’s love by greeting people I meet.
PRAYER FOCUS
My neighbors
The Upper Room 16 February 2022 Devotional Message. The Upper Room is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. The meditations are stories of real people working to live faithfully with the Bible as their touchstone. Every day, readers of The Upper Room around the world read the same story in many different languages and pray the same prayer together. Read More