THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 18TH JUNE 2025, WEDNESDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 18 June 2025 written by Dozie Ashiegbu (Abia, Nigeria)
TOPIC: Seventy-Seven Times
Today’s Reading
Matthew 18:21-35
Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” – Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)
Several years ago, I experienced a deep hurt caused by a close friend’s betrayal. The pain was intense, and I struggled to find a way forward. In moments of despair, I turned to the Bible for guidance, seeking solace in its wisdom. In today’s quoted scripture, Jesus encourages boundless forgiveness. I realized that I needed to find the strength to forgive my friend repeatedly, even though the hurt lingered. I couldn’t change the past, but I could choose to release the burden of resentment and anger.
I decided to pray each day for the willingness to forgive, seeking God’s help in healing my wounded heart. It wasn’t an easy process, but with time, prayer, and reflection, I found a sense of peace that I hadn’t known before. The path to forgiveness begins with examining our hearts and identifying lingering grudges or hurts we are holding on to. When we turn to the Bible for guidance, we can find clarity and direction. And praying for the strength to forgive opens us to healing and deeper connection with God.
May we all find the strength to forgive, just as God forgives us, and may this act of compassion lead us to a more profound relationship with God and a life filled with grace and love.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the guidance we find in scripture. Give us the strength to forgive so that we can heal and draw closer to you. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Forgiveness brings me closer to God.
Prayer Focus
Someone I need to forgive
The Upper Room Devotional 18 June 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