The Upper Room Daily Devotional 19th January 2023 – Striving for Humility

THE UPPER ROOM ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Upper Room Daily Devotional 19th January 2023 by Becca Wierwille (Pennsylvania, USA). As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)

TOPIC: Striving for Humility

TODAY’S READING
Matthew 23:1-12

All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. – Matthew 23:12 (NRSV)

The Upper Room Daily Devotional 19th January 2023 MESSAGE

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.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
How is God calling me to demonstrate humility today?

PRAYER FOCUS
Friends experiencing conflict

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. Read More