ECWA Devotion for Friday 30 January 2026

FRIDAY, 30 JANUARY

TEXT: PHILEMON 1:8–16

TOPIC: PAUL ASKS HIS FRIEND TO DO TWO DIFFICULT THINGS

 

PHILEMON 1:8–16 NIV

 

8: Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do,

 

9: yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—

 

10: that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.

 

11: Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

 

12: I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.

 

13: I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.

 

14: But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.

 

15: Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—

 

16: no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

 

PAUL ASKS HIS FRIEND TO DO TWO DIFFICULT THINGS

 

In AD 62, Paul urged Philemon to pardon his runaway slave, Onesimus, and accept him as a brother in Christ.

 

Despite misconceptions, Paul's words reflect compassion.

 

Today, we must recognise and combat modern-day slavery in various forms.

 

True faith in God includes love for those in servitude.

 

QUESTION: How can we end modern-day slavery?

 

PRAYER: Help us, Lord, to advocate against modern slavery. Amen!

EVANGELICAL CHURCH WINNING ALL (ECWA) FOOD FOR THE DAY 2026.