The Upper Room Devotional 15th November 2023 —The Power of Acceptance

The Upper Room Devotional 15th November 2023 —The Power of Acceptance

Read and Study Today’s The Upper Room Daily Devotional for November 15, 2023 Message written by Carol Round (Oklahoma, USA). God bless you as you study today! Please share with your friends and loved ones.

TODAY’S TOPIC: THE POWER OF ACCEPTANCE

Steven Thompson (Iowa, USA)

TODAY’S READING
Mark 10:46-52

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God’s love for me inspires my love for others.

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to [Bartimaeus], “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” – Mark 10:49 (NIV)

I often recall our eldest daughter’s deep emotional pain and disappointment when a group of adolescent girls rejected her. I suspect if one girl in the group had supported her, she might have been accepted by the whole group. Few of us understand the powerful influences that we can have, either for good or for evil, in group settings.

In Mark 10, we read the story of blind Bartimaeus, who was expendable in the crowd’s eyes. But when Jesus showed compassion and respect for him, others began to see Bartimaeus’s worth as well. Their rebuking tone changed to one of acceptance because of Jesus’ respect for Bartimaeus. They called to Bartimaeus, “Cheer up! On your feet! [Jesus] is calling you.”

It takes courage to accept and love those who have been rejected by society. But we are called to follow Jesus’ example of showing compassion for all. As we love those whom our peers deem unworthy, it will empower our peers to follow our example.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father God, sometimes it’s not easy to accept and love those who are disrespected by others. Through your grace provide us with courage to love all people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

PRAYER FOCUS
Those who feel unworthy of God’s love

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