THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 4TH MAY 2025, SUNDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 4th May 2025 written by Kristen Lowe (Wisconsin, USA)
TOPIC: Recipients of Grace
Today’s Reading
John 8:1-11
Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. – Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
The woman caught in adultery was accused of breaking the law of Moses. Yet her accusers condemned only the woman without mentioning the man. This story reminds us of inequalities and injustices in our society. Women, youth, children, and members of minority groups are often targeted by a society’s dominant culture. Even in the church, we attack those who dare to do things differently. We have little patience for those who do not conform, and we are quick to judge and exclude others.
Jesus’ response to the woman’s accusers reminds us that we are all sinners and that although we have been saved by grace, we still sin. Acknowledging our own imperfections cautions us not to rejoice in the downfall of others. Jesus did not come to condemn but to restore sinners to a state of grace, and he passed on this ministry to us. God wants us to work for reconciliation in the world rather than judging others’ sins.
As recipients of God’s grace, we must continue to spread the message of freedom, motivating people to enjoy the new life offered by Christ. We do all of this from the perspective that we were once sinners found by God’s merciful love and are now products of grace.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to walk in the understanding of your grace as we reach out to reconcile others to you. Amen.
Thought for the Day
I extend God’s grace when I am accepting of others.
Prayer Focus
Someone I have been quick to judge
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The Upper Room Devotional 4th May 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