ECWA Devotion for Saturday 31 January 2026

SATURDAY, 31 JANUARY

TEXT: PHILEMON 1:17–25

TOPIC: MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

 

PHILEMON 1:17–25 NIV

 

17: So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.

 

18: If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

 

19: I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self.

 

20: I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.

 

21: Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

 

22: And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

 

23: Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings.

 

24: And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

 

25: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

 

MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

 

Paul exemplifies the ministry of reconciliation, as he reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:19b–20 that we have a duty to reconcile.

 

In Philemon 1:17–25, we see him bridging the gap between two brothers in Christ.

 

Unfortunately, many ministers today create divisions rather than promote unity within the body of Christ.

 

It's critical to seek God's mercy and pursue reconciliation in relationships with brothers and sisters, spouses, parents, employers, and ultimately, between God and man.

 

Failing to do so means being out of ministry.

 

Relationships are worth restoring.

 

QUESTION: Who do I need to restore a broken relationship with today?

 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, forgive me for neglecting the call to embrace the ministry of reconciliation, in Jesus name. Amen!

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