Parting Ways the Mature Way

Baptist Daily Devotional
Sep 27
2 min read

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | September 27 2025 | Acts 16:35-40

KEY VERSE: “After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.” Acts 16:40 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Every journey in life and ministry has seasons of beginnings and endings. Acts 16 closes with Paul and Silas leaving Philippi after a dramatic mission: preaching, deliverance, imprisonment, and the conversion of the jailer’s household. Yet their departure was marked not by bitterness or complaint but by encouragement and blessing. Their example shows us how to part ways the mature way - with peace, love, and purpose. The following important lessons are revealed from today’s devotional: 1. Maturity prioritises encouragement before departure. Instead of leaving silently after suffering injustice, Paul and Silas visited Lydia’s house to encourage the believers. Mature Christians understand that people’s faith often needs strengthening during times of transition. Before we move on, we must pour hope and courage into others. 2. Maturity leaves behind a stronger community. Paul and Silas didn’t focus on what they endured but on ensuring the Philippian church was steady and united. They left the community stronger than they found it. Mature parting means leaving a legacy of faith and unity, not confusion or division. 3. Maturity trusts God with the next chapter. After encouraging the believers, Paul and Silas moved forward, knowing their mission wasn’t ending—it was expanding. Maturity means trusting that when God closes one chapter, He has already prepared the next. We don’t cling to the past; we step boldly into God’s future.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Mature parting is marked by encouragement, unity, and trust in God’s unfolding plan. How we leave is as important as how we serve. Seek to leave every place, relationship, or ministry stronger than when you came. PRAYER:

Father, help me to embrace transitions with grace and maturity. Teach me to encourage others, leave behind unity, and trust You with the next steps. May my life and partings always reflect Christ’s love and strengthen His church. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 270: Isaiah 46–48 — God’s Glory Over Idols

DAILY word study: ENCOURAGED The word encouraged in Acts 16:40 comes from the Greek parakaleō, which means “to comfort, strengthen, or call alongside.”

Before leaving Philippi, Paul and Silas didn’t simply move on; they took time to strengthen the faith of the believers at Lydia’s house. Their encouragement was both spiritual and practical, helping the young church face future challenges with courage.

Reflect on this: Who in your life needs your encouragement today, before you move on to your next assignment or chapter?