1 Peter 1:18–19 (KJV)
You know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from
your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious
blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Encouragement
Sometimes life seems like a cycle you keep repeating. You do what is expected of you, but inside you feel empty. Or you notice that you carry patterns that you did not choose yourself: always pushing forward, trusting no one, hiding your feelings, or making yourself smaller than necessary. Peter calls this ‘futile’: not because your life is worthless, but because such patterns keep you away from God and from yourself.
Then Peter says something hopeful: you have been redeemed. Not with money or possessions, because those are fleeting. Not with status or achievements, because those can never truly save you. You have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ. That is biblical language for: Jesus gave himself to free you from what binds you. His love is not cheap, but it is reliable.
In church, you see this when someone comes back after a long time, with shame or sadness, and realises: there is room to pray, to talk, and to start again.
In society, you see it when someone seeks help with debt, addiction, or a difficult relationship. The moment someone says, ‘I want things to be different,’ is often the beginning of freedom.
Question to ponder
What habit, thought, or fear is holding you back? And what would change if you believed: I am redeemed?
Take this with you
- You are worth more than gold.
- Jesus' love is stronger than your past.
- Freedom often starts with one small step: being honest, asking for help, praying.
Final thought
You don't have to remain stuck in old patterns. In Christ, there is a new beginning: you have been redeemed to live with hope, direction and peace.