Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
February 26, 2024
John 13:31-35
31 When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Human One has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify the Human One in himself and will glorify him immediately. 33 Little children, I’m with you for a little while longer. You will look for me—but, just as I told the Jewish leaders, I also tell you now—‘Where I’m going, you can’t come.’ 34 “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. 35 This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples when you love each other.”
Good Morning! Praise God for this beautiful day!
They will know we are Christians by our love. To love others as Christ loved us is difficult. We are so quick to judge and label one another. Jesus looked around and saw God’s children. He didn’t look at our outer coverings or the persona that we present to the world, He looked into our souls and found children in need of love.
Verse 33 Little children, I’m with you for a little while longer reminds us to take advantage of every moment that we have with our loved ones. We get wrapped up in doing and forget that sometimes sitting and purposely spending time together is what is needed in that moment. Too many times we miss these precious moments.
I remember family gatherings where there was such a frenzy happening all around. People are cooking, setting the table, and talking and laughing. These are all wonderful things that should be done. But I see a family member sitting and watching because they can no longer do the tasks.
Sometimes, they are smiling, and other times, they look sad, but in the chaos of the moment, they are alone. In these moments, take time to be a “Mary” who sits at the feet of her loved one and listens. Even when no words are being exchanged, a lifetime of stories are passing between you. We must work to not miss these special moments with our loved ones because we do not know if another time will come for this intimate encounter.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. Help us take time to sit and listen so that we don’t miss one moment of love. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Take time to sit in God’s presence and receive God’s love.
Love one another as Christ loves us! Pastor Liz