THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 22ND JUNE 2025, SUNDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 22 June 2025 written by April Bogert (New York, USA)
TOPIC: Living in Mercy and Hope
Today’s Reading
Matthew 25:14-23
His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” – Matthew 25:23 (NIV)
I like sitting quietly in the pew in our small church before the worship service. The sunlight filters through the beautiful stained-glass windows, depicting stories from the Gospels. Long ago, such artwork helped people who may not have known how to read learn and remember the stories of Jesus. They continue to prompt me to reflect on their messages for my life today.
On a recent Sunday I was sitting in my usual spot between the windows illustrating the parables of the prodigal son and the good and faithful servant. I observed that in both stories the main characters are welcomed and embraced. One is forgiven for his past errors while the other is affirmed for his correct choices.
I thought about how living to serve Jesus is often a struggle. We have to start afresh each day in gratitude for God’s mercy and seek God’s help through the Spirit to love God and one another. It isn’t always easy.
Oh, how much I hope to hear those words from Jesus: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” But I am grateful for the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness that I see in the story of the prodigal son. I can seek to serve the Lord by also extending mercy and forgiveness to others in my life.
Today’s Prayer
Merciful God, help us to extend mercy and forgiveness to others as we remember the mercy and forgiveness you have given us. Amen.
Thought for the Day
I will seek to serve God and be grateful for God’s mercy.
Prayer Focus
Gratitude for God’s mercy
The Upper Room Devotional 22 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