Daily Devotional Monday Motivation with Total Apex Media | November 10, 2025

It’s time to get motivated with Monday’s daily devotion. Have you ever had to settle an issue with a fellow believer or get on the same page? Did you lead with a strong will or speak the truth in love? Let’s see how Paul handles it in Philemon 1:17-19

17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; 19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. In your daily devotion, be an example for others to follow in their walk with Christ.

In today’s daily devotion, make it a point to always lead with love in every interaction.

Partners in the Gospel

Philemon was an affluent believer from Colossae. Paul, who’d led him to the Lord, was his spiritual father. Philemon’s name in Greek means affectionate, and it appears he was true to the name. In verse 2, Paul mentions Philemon having a church in his house. Paul had been a guest in his home, and they apparently had a close relationship.

Paul  mentions Philemon’s love and faith four times, beginning in verse 5: “Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints.”  Believers should develop deep, loving relationships with each other. After leading others to Christ, it should bring you joy to see them develop in the faith. In today’s devotion, proclaim you’ll be a soul winner who witnesses others grow spiritually.  

Receive Him as Myself

Paul, who was imprisoned in Rome, had met Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave. It was common for the wealthy to own slaves, and Philemon owned at least one. When Paul met Onesimus, he led him to the Lord also. Instead of feeling gloomy while bound in prison, Paul considered God’s Word unbound. He used every opportunity to make disciples in Rome. 

When others are added to the family of God, they become your brothers and sisters, regardless of their background or status. Paul appealed to Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother, even though Philemon legally owned him.  In your daily devotion, decide that, like Paul, you’ll prioritize leading others to Christ. 

If He Wronged You

Paul loves Onesimus as a son in the faith and considers him valuable. While not condoning slavery, Paul is aware of the culture of the day. So he sends Onesimus back with a letter. Paul doesn’t write with an authoritative tone, but he speaks lovingly. He gently reminds Philemon of their partnership as believers. They’re both sons of God and co-laborers in the gospel.

He tells Philemon that Onesimus is not only profitable to him, but he’s also now his brother. In Monday’s daily devotion, declare that you’ll see all believers as brothers and sisters.

Put It on My Account

Paul further tells Philemon that if Onesimus owes him anything, he’ll pay it himself. Commanded by God to love, believers should support and look out for each other. Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon, not as a servant only, but as a brother. And he counts on Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would Paul. In today’s daily devotion, praise God that you welcome fellow believers with open arms.

You Owe Me

Paul isn’t tallying up everything done for Philemon to hold it over his head. He lovingly recalls that Philemon owes him, “even thine own self.” Philemon was lost and living outside of Christ when Paul met him, but he was transformed through Paul’s ministry. In your daily devotion today, notice it’s all about doing the right thing as believers. 

Perhaps Philemon would’ve received Onesimus lovingly without Paul’s admonition, but Paul didn’t hesitate to ensure they were on the same page spiritually.

Final Word

Paul appeals to Philemon as a son, partner, and friend. As iron sharpens iron, be willing to gently lead others in the right direction on their faith walk. Your aim should be not to let others’ love fall short. Paul was confident Philemon would do even more toward Onesiums. As you grow in faith, encourage others to receive believers as brothers and sisters.

In today’s daily devotion, determine to welcome lovingly all believers, not only as part of the body, but as brethren beloved.