THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 9TH JANUARY 2026, FRIDAY MESSAGE
No Less
Denise (North Carolina, USA)
Today’s Reading
Luke 15:3-6
When he has found [the lost sheep], he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. – Luke 15:5 (NRSVUE)
My oldest grandson, Judah, was the only grandchild for four years. During this time, he received lots of attention. Then along came Addison. Although he loved his new cousin, Judah did not understand how I could love them both. Sometimes when I cared for Addison he whispered, “But, Nannie, I thought you loved me.”
Recently I came across a picture of a stranded lamb drenched in the pouring rain and Jesus running toward it. The caption was the story of Jesus leaving the 99 to find the one. Although I have heard the story several times, this visual elicited a new emotional reaction from me. It reminded me that God loves each person the same. God’s love is not greater for the Christian or the good-deed doer than it is for those who do not follow Christ.
When things do not go my way, I am quick to whisper, “But, God, I thought you loved me.” My love for Judah is no less than my love for Addison. God’s love for someone else does not change God’s love for me. Everyone receives the same unconditional love.
Thought for the Day
I can love others like Jesus.
Prayer Focus
Gratitude for God’s unconditional love
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, help us to share your love with others and not to be judgmental. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 9th January 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