The folks at Patheos bring together five verses highlighting God’s love and our love for others

“You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.” 1 Corinthian 7: 23

The story is told of a young boy taken with model ship building and the sailing of his boats on the lake outside of town. After saving up quite a large sum from mowing lawns and walking dogs, he purchased a replica of the Bluenose, the famed Nova Scotian racing schooner. After months of cutting, gluing and painting, he completed the project and began sailing it for his own pleasure and those who stopped to watch.

One day turned especially windy and his remote control radio malfunctioned, and despite every effort to turn the small ship, he watched his Bluenose float far off shore. It was lost.

Several weeks later he was overjoyed to see in the window of a hobby store his boat, for sale. He spoke with the owner, explaining that this was his boat. The businessman understood, but held his ground: “If you want it back, you’ll have to buy it.  Twenty bucks.”

The youngster’s love and pain led him to toil again, and before long, he had enough. Upon buying the boat, he walked from the store and said, “Once I created you, and you were mine. Now I have bought you, so you are doubly mine.”

Somewhere after God created people, we got lost. Whether by our choices, or circumstances beyond our control, we drifted from God. How good that he longed for our return, however damaged we became. How wonderful that he paid a price in Jesus’ sacrifice to show his love and make us doubly his.

God, I have to admit that I’ve drifted.  Sometimes it has been just from coasting and not caring about relating with you. Other times I have made bad choices that have put space between us. Thank you for wanting me back, and paying the price to buy me back. Thank you for your sacrificial love to own me again. Amen.

Take Action

If you feel like you are drifting, ask someone you trust how you can enjoy God’s colossal love again, or for the first time. You can also do this by contacting an online coach!



Tags: Love redemption