Our Daily Bread Devotional For January 3, 2026: Title - The Friendship Bench

 

Our Daily Bread Devotional

3rd January, 2026

TOPIC: The Friendship Bench

BIBLE IN A YEAR:

Genesis 7–9; Matthew 3

KEY VERSE:

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.”

— Romans 12:6

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Nehemiah 3:6–12

MESSAGE

A young patient once took his own life simply because he could not afford transportation to the hospital for mental health care. Deeply troubled by this loss, Dr. Dixon Chibanda began exploring ways to make treatment more accessible. His solution became known as the Friendship Bench—a program in which trained counselors sit on strategically placed benches, offering a listening ear and emotional support to those in need. Remarkably, the counselors he trained were grandmothers. According to Dr. Chibanda, these women are deeply rooted in their communities and possess a natural ability to make people feel valued, respected, and understood.

The book of Nehemiah records a similar story of inclusive service. As Jerusalem lay in ruins and its people suffered shame and ridicule, the rebuilding of the city wall became a shared responsibility (Nehemiah 2:17). Skilled artisans such as Uzziel the goldsmith contributed their expertise (3:8), but so did others whose professions lay elsewhere. Even Shallum, a district ruler, joined in the work alongside his daughters (v. 12). Everyone played a role in restoring what had been broken.

Just as Dr. Chibanda recognized the compassion and influence of grandmothers in transforming mental health care in Zimbabwe, God invites us to recognize the gifts and strengths He has placed in each person. According to Romans 12:6, every believer has been endowed with grace-given abilities. When we surrender these gifts to God, He uses them to strengthen His church and bless our communities.

— Message by Poh Fang Chia

REFLECT & PRAY

What has God placed on your heart to do for your church or community? Who might God be calling to work alongside you?

Prayer:

Dear Father, help me to recognize the strengths You have placed in others and teach me how to serve alongside them for Your glory. Amen.

INSIGHT FOR TODAY

Long before Nehemiah led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, God invited His people to participate in constructing the tabernacle—the place where He would dwell among them. Under Moses’ leadership, everyone whose heart was willing brought offerings for the work (Exodus 35:21). Skilled individuals, including women and leaders, were assigned specific roles, while Bezalel and Oholiab were appointed to oversee the craftsmanship (vv. 30–35). God has always valued the diverse gifts of His people. Today, He continues to call each of us to use what He has given us to build up the church and serve the world around us.

— Insight by Arthur Jackson