ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna – Seek Reconciliation
Thursday, July 9, 2026
KEY VERSE
“Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought unto thee; because God hath graciously dealt with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it” (Genesis 33:11).
Bible Reading:
Genesis 33:1-15 (KJV)
1 And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids.
2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.
3 And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
4 And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.
5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
6 Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.
7 And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves.
8 And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord.
9 And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.
10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
11 Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought unto thee; because God hath graciously dealt with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.
12 And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.
13 And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.
14 Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.
15 And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord.
MESSAGE
It is inevitable for us to co-exist with others. In so doing, very often, we offend one another. When this happens, we don’t hold on to the offences. It is imperative for us, as believers, to reconcile with those who offend us, or those who are hurt by our actions and conducts.
This was what Jacob set out to do as he embarked on the journey home in an imminent tense meeting with his twin brother, Esau. Esau was aggrieved by Jacob for using subterfuge to deprive him of the blessing of their father, Isaac. Fearing the danger of Esau’s wrath and his intention to kill him, Jacob had fled home to live with his uncle, Laban. Twenty years later, God appeared to Jacob and instructed him to return to his homeland. He began his homeward journey in obedience to God; but was haunted by the hatred of his brother. He was not sure that many years away from home had healed the wound. Going back home, Jacob must meet his brother with reconciliation, in order to restore their fractured relationship.
Intentionally, Jacob took practical steps toward restoring peace with Esau. Putting his family behind, Jacob went ahead and bowed himself seven times, as he got closer to Esau. This was a gesture of respect, an attempt to pacify his brother and deal with any revengeful thoughts. Additionally, Jacob sent gifts to Esau ahead of their meeting. While Jacob approached his brother with meekness and humility, Esau reciprocated with a hug and a kiss. This was a very refreshing moment! The past wounds had been healed.
As Christians, we are to follow peace with everyone. Where there are offences, let us seek reconciliation and forgiveness. Above all, where there is separation from God and enmity against Him because of sin, there must be reconciliation through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The sweet fragrance of reconciliation is inestimably soothing
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Genesis 26-28
COMMENTARY
1. The Necessity of Reconciliation – Human relationships inevitably involve offences. The devotional reminds us that holding onto grievances is not an option for believers. We are called to actively seek reconciliation with those who have offended us or whom we have hurt. As Paul wrote, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Reconciliation is not optional; it is a command rooted in the character of God.
2. Jacob’s Example of Humble Pursuit – Jacob took intentional steps to restore peace with Esau. He did not assume that time alone would heal the wound. Instead, he acted proactively: he sent gifts ahead, bowed seven times in humility, and approached with meekness. This teaches us that reconciliation often requires deliberate effort, sacrifice, and humility. We cannot wait for others to come to us; we must take the initiative.
3. The Power of Humility – Jacob’s sevenfold bow was a gesture of profound respect and submission. He placed himself in a position of vulnerability, acknowledging his wrongdoing. This humility broke down Esau’s defences. When we approach those we have wronged with genuine humility, it opens the door for healing. Pride, on the other hand, only deepens division. “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).
4. Esau’s Forgiveness – Esau’s response was remarkable. Instead of vengeance, he ran to meet Jacob, embraced him, and wept. The years of bitterness melted away in a moment of grace. This is a powerful picture of how God’s grace can transform even the deepest wounds. Esau’s forgiveness teaches us that reconciliation is a two-way street—we must be willing both to seek and to grant forgiveness.
5. Spiritual Reconciliation – The devotional makes a vital connection: just as we must reconcile with others, we must also be reconciled to God. Sin has created enmity between humanity and God, but through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, that breach is healed. Paul writes, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them” (2 Corinthians 5:19). This is the greatest reconciliation of all.
6. The DCLM Ministry’s Emphasis on Peace – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry has consistently taught the importance of peace and reconciliation among believers. Pastor Kumuyi often emphasizes that unresolved conflicts hinder spiritual growth and prayer. The Daily Manna devotional serves as a daily reminder to examine our relationships and take steps toward restoration. DCLM’s conferences and teaching sessions frequently address the need for forgiveness and unity in the body of Christ.
About DCLM and Daily Manna
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) was founded in 1973 by Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi. From a small Bible study of 15 students in Lagos, it has grown into a global ministry with churches across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The ministry emphasizes holiness, prayer, Bible study, and practical Christian living.
DCLM Daily Manna is a daily devotional written by Pastor Kumuyi. Each edition provides Scripture reading, exposition, and practical application to guide believers in their daily walk with God. The devotional calls readers to examine their hearts and align their lives with God’s Word.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, help me to seek reconciliation with those I have offended and to forgive those who have hurt me. Give me the humility of Jacob and the grace of Esau. Remove every root of bitterness from my heart. And above all, thank You for reconciling me to Yourself through Jesus Christ. May my relationships reflect Your love and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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