God — big spender

For you know what was paid to set you free from the worthless manner of life handed down by your ancestors. It was not something that can be destroyed, such as silver or gold; it was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw. He had been chosen by God before the creation of the world and was revealed in these last days for your sake. (verses 18-20)

Read 1 Peter 1:13-25

God is a big spender. He’s prepared to pay heaps for what others might regard as junk. You are of great of value to him: he spent all he had on you. God loves you so much that he was willing to spend everything in making you his own. He bought you, not with silver or gold, but with the costly sacrifice of his Son.

In today’s reading St Peter goes on to reason this way: The way you live matters to God. The way you live matters to God, because you matter to God. To God you are not junk—you are his valuable possession. Because God values you, it doesn’t make any sense to live as if you and other believers are worthless. Instead, live out your life as God’s dearly bought child by loving God’s people with all your heart.

As you do this, you experience in your own life just how valuable you and all people are to God.

Father, thank you for making me you r own possession. Give me your Holy Spirit, so that I may love your people with all my heart. Amen.

by Fraser Pearce, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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