The word ‘slavery’ has a very negative connotation today, and quite rightly so, because many abuses have occurred around slavery in modern times.
However, it wasn’t always like that. The concept of a “love slave” in ancient times was a different practice that had a different purpose. It was a way for individuals and families to provide for those who were in need and to offer them protection and a sense of belonging. In those times, slavery was a common practice and often served a different purpose than it does today. “Love slave” was a term used to describe a servant who was purchased by a family or an individual and who was treated as a valued member of the household.
In those days, there was a difference between a slave and a servant. A slave was considered to be property and had no rights or privileges. A servant, on the other hand, was a person who was employed by a family or an individual, and in many cases, was treated as a member of the household. The Israelites had special laws in place to ensure that their servants were treated well. Servants purchased by an Israelite family were offered employment and a dwelling place. Jobs and accommodation were not easily available in that time. They were also afforded the protection of the family. In many cases, the servants shared in the inheritance of the family they were bonded with.
In the scripture of Matt 8:5-13, the Roman centurion asks Jesus to heal his servant. The centurion recognizes that Jesus has authority and power, and he believes that if Jesus says the word, his servant will be healed. This shows that the centurion had a deep love and concern for his servant. He valued him as a person and not just as property.
The Apostle Paul refers to himself as a bondservant of our Lord Jesus (Romans 1:1). He exhorts us to follow Him as he follows Christ (1 Corinthians 1:11). In the same way as servants were purchased for life by the Israelites, so Jesus has paid a price for us and purchased us for life, that we might live in freedom from sin.
When we turn to Jesus, we are set free from sin – past, present and future. This because He atoned for our sin and removed our sinful natures. In essence, He paid His life for us and we became purchased ‘love slaves’ of God. We are offered a new life, filled with love, protection, and provision.
The benefit we reap is holiness, and the end result is eternal life (Romans 6:22). We were previously lost in our sin and hopelessness, but now we are able to partake in the inheritance of the Kingdom of God.
In conclusion, the concept of love slavery may seem strange or even contradictory today, but in the past it was a way to provide security and shelter for people in need. Jesus offers us a new life, one in which we are set free from sin and become love slaves of God. It is through our devotion to Him and by following His principles that we can find true freedom, peace, and eternal life.
God bless.