ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna Devotional – 18th May 2026
Topic: The Power Of Restitution
Text: Philemon 1:9-14 (KJV)
Key Verse: “I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me.” (Philemon 1:10-11)
Devotional Message:
A dramatic and touching event took place in Munich, Germany sometime in 1947. It was part of the triumphant true story of one courageous Christian woman who became a militant heroine of the anti-Nazi underground. Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian, was imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II for hiding hundreds of Jews fleeing Nazi brutality at their home in the Netherlands between 1940 and 1944. After the war, at a church service in Munich, she encountered one of her former Nazi guards who had become a Christian. He approached her, extending his hand in reconciliation and asking for forgiveness. Despite the immense pain and suffering she endured at the hands of the Nazis, Corrie chose to forgive him, illustrating the transforming power of forgiveness and reconciliation in promoting Christian love and unity.
The story of Corrie is profoundly amplified in our text today. It beams the light on the transformed and profitable life that must follow true salvation. Apostle Paul testifies to the new life of Onesimus, a slave who had become a Christian under his ministry while in Roman prison. Here, he reconciles the run-away servant to his former master. The transformation of life narrated in Paul’s message to Philemon confirms the positive impact of genuine conversion and the demonstrable fruit of repentance evidenced through a change of life and by willingness to correct all wrongs done in the past and reconciliation with the individuals wronged.
This practice of restitution authenticates our new life in Christ and the dedication to have a conscience void of offence toward God and toward all men. Restitution is not a one-off act or practice. We must understand that whenever we have the prompting of the Spirit to make amend, seek forgiveness, correct false statements, or refund money collected inappropriately, among other things, we must be willing to act accordingly. Paul the apostle himself demonstrated this in the course of his ministry (Acts 24:16).
Thought for the Day: Restitution authenticates our salvation claim.
Bible in One Year: Galatians 4-6
Commentary for DCLM Readers This devotional powerfully illustrates how genuine salvation produces visible transformation, especially through restitution. Onesimus moved from being “unprofitable” to “profitable” after his conversion. True repentance is not complete without a willingness to right past wrongs. Restitution clears our conscience, restores broken relationships, and demonstrates the reality of our faith to the world.
For DCLM believers, this is a strong challenge to examine our lives. Have we made right the wrongs we committed before or even after salvation? Restitution may be humbling, but it brings freedom, peace, and authenticity to our Christian testimony.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the transforming power of Your grace. Search my heart and reveal every area where restitution is needed in my life.
Give me courage and humility to make amends, return stolen items, confess falsehoods, and seek forgiveness where necessary. Let my life truly reflect the change that comes from genuine salvation.
Help every DCLM member to walk with a conscience void of offence toward God and man. Let our restitution bring glory to Your name and draw others to Christ.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
