The Upper Room Devotional 18 May 2026, Monday Message
A Parent’s Love
Nicole Mejía (Dominican Republic)
Today’s Reading
Matthew 7:7-12
Who among you will give your children a stone when they ask for bread? – Matthew 7:9 (CEB)
I am an attorney, and recently I had to talk to a defendant’s lawyer about a case. What started as a simple conversation to gather information ended up in my greater understanding and deeper reflection on the family situation of the people involved.
The man and his wife were attempting to obtain a benefit for their son that they had long fought for, but granting of the benefit would require signatures from both the mother and the father. The father could not make the trip to attend the court proceedings due to lack of financial resources, and rather than be the reason rights were denied, the father proposed to relinquish all parental authority over his son to his wife. The father did not want his inability to travel to limit his beloved son’s dreams.
I believe this father’s actions exemplified true sacrifice, and it reminded me that with God’s help we can give good things to our children, family, and friends. Now, imagine how much more our heavenly Father gives us, starting with the wonderful gift of salvation. We must never forget the greatest love of all — the love of our heavenly Father for us.
Thought for the Day
God’s goodness is for all people.
Prayer Focus
People involved in difficult legal proceedings
Today’s Prayer
Caring God, help us to trust that you understand our needs and that if we ask with faith, you will provide. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 18 May 2026 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