The Upper Room 13 April 2024 Devotional – Acceptance
THE UPPER ROOM 13 APRIL 2024 DEVOTIONAL, SATURDAY MESSAGE
TOPIC: Acceptance
TODAY’S READING
John 8:1-11
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” – John 8:10-11 (NIV)
Jesus’ ministry challenges us to accept people in spite of their flaws and imperfections. When Jesus began his ministry, he encountered different kinds of people. Many liked and loved him and his teachings, but some did not accept him or his teachings.
When a woman caught in adultery was brought before him, Jesus did not judge or condemn her. He did not avoid her or look down on her. He did not hate her. Jesus did something unexpected. He accepted the woman — in spite of her sin.
Regardless of our mistakes and sins, acceptance is what we all need. Jesus shows us that acceptance is possible even when people are different from one another or hold different points of view. We can give the gift of acceptance to others because God has accepted us.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father God, thank you for accepting us as we are. Help us to show others that you accept them too. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I follow Jesus’ example when I reflect God’s love to others.
PRAYER FOCUS
Someone I have excluded
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Link2Life – April 13
The Upper Room 13 April 2024 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