THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 15TH FEBRUARY 2025, SATURDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 15th February 2025 written by Monica A. Andermann (New York, USA)
TOPIC: Refusing to Participate
Today’s Reading
Romans 12:17-21
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you: Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.” – Matthew 5:38-39 (NRSVUE)
Today’s Message
This year I participated in a defensive driving course designed to teach students to be more thoughtful and careful drivers. The class covered several subjects, among them road rage. “What do you do,” the instructor addressed me, “when faced with an instance of road rage?”
I reflected on the many times drivers had honked the horn to urge me to speed, cut me off, or tailgated my vehicle. “Nothing,” I replied. “I just keep going my own way.”
“That,” he said, “is the correct answer. Do not fuel the other driver’s anger with your reaction. It serves no positive purpose. Just go your own way.”
I thought about how this has been my policy in other aspects of my life as well. Fueling the flame of another’s anger serves no positive purpose. In the book of Matthew, Jesus admonishes us to turn the other cheek toward those who do us harm. With that in mind, I’ve found that a smile, a friendly nod, a compliment, a joke, or simply not reacting can quickly disarm a tense situation. What other creative ways could we find to turn the other cheek?
Today’s Prayer
Parent of us all, help us to be calm examples of your goodness, patience, and mercy in all situations. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Anger is disarmed when I refuse to participate.
Prayer Focus
Long-distance drivers
The Upper Room Devotional 15th February 2025, 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