The Upper Room Devotional 31 March 2026, Tuesday Message
Love One Another
Ryan W. (Michigan, USA)
Today’s Reading
1 Corinthians 13:1-7
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Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35 (NRSVUE)
Though I have been in and out of ministry, I have struggled throughout my life with my faith in God and the institution of the Christian church. Much of the struggle is due to what I have witnessed in the church.
During my time in ministry, I have seen people turned away from churches where I served because they didn’t live by certain standards. I have always felt that these churches were missing something.
I love that Jesus never demanded perfection or expected people to reach a certain standard first and then follow. Instead, Jesus met people right where they were. He still does. Jesus loves and accepts us for who we are, offering us forgiveness even when we don’t ask for it.
On the cross, Jesus showed the extent of his love by forgiving the criminal hanging next to him, who asked only for Jesus to remember him. The criminal didn’t ask for forgiveness; he said he deserved his punishment. But Jesus gave him the unexpected gifts of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. (See Lk. 23:39-43.) Christ doesn’t expect us to be perfect. But if we want to follow him, he expects us to love others — just as he loves us.
Thought for the Day
I will be bold in loving others as Christ loves me.
Prayer Focus
To show God’s love to everyone I meet
Today’s Prayer
Almighty God, thank you for the gift of your Son and for loving us unconditionally. Give us the courage to love others as you love us. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 31 March 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
