Devotional
Cut Me Into a Thousand Pieces
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." — Romans 5:8 (NKJV)
David Wilkerson was persistent.
He'd come to New York City to minister to gang members, and he kept showing up at Nicky Cruz's door. Nicky was the leader of the Mau Maus, one of the most violent gangs in the city. He wasn't interested in what this skinny preacher had to say.
One night, David showed up again. Nicky looked at him and said, "Man, if you don't leave me alone, I'm going to cut you."
David's response has stayed with me for years: "Nicky, you could cut me up into a thousand pieces, and every single one of them would still say I love you."
That's the love of Christ in one sentence.
No matter how deep our sin. No matter how great our shame. No matter how far we've run or how many times we've rejected Him. His love keeps showing up at the door.
I think about all the ways I've told God to leave me alone. All the times I've pushed back against His pursuit. All the seasons I've run in the opposite direction, convinced I knew better.
And He kept coming.
That's not a love that makes sense. It's not a love that calculates whether we're worth the effort. It's a love that absorbs rejection and keeps pursuing anyway.
You could cut Him into a thousand pieces. Every one would still say I love you.
That's the God we're praying to. Not a reluctant deity we have to convince. A relentless lover who's already proven how far He's willing to go.
It's the same heart we see in the prodigal story — the father ran toward the son who had rejected him. He saw us at our worst and still said Live. And I know this personally because someone refused to give up on me when I was ready to walk away.
Prayer Prompt
Consider how you've pushed God away or rejected His pursuit in some area of your life. Talk to Him about it honestly, knowing His response is the same love that showed up at Nicky's door.
Justin Franich
Justin Franich is a Teen Challenge graduate who overcame a meth addiction and has been clean since 2005. He spent over a decade leading Christ‑centered recovery programs and now serves as Executive Director of Shenandoah Valley Adult Teen Challenge, helping families find the right path forward and supporting people as they rebuild life after addiction.
Read my story →If this encouraged you, there's more.
I send weekly encouragement. Scripture, reflection, and the kind of stuff I wish someone had told me.
You can unsubscribe anytime.
Related Articles
Can I Watch Joy?
My three-year-old doesn't ask to watch Inside Out. She asks to watch Joy.
They Always Came Through
My parents said we're not getting you anything this year. But every Christmas morning, they came through. That's how hope works with God.
What Does the Bible Say About Second Chances?
The father wasn't waiting at the end of the driveway with his arms crossed. He was running down the road before the apology was finished. The robe is waiting. So is the ring. So are the sandals.
What "Be Strong and Courageous" Actually Means
God told Joshua to be strong and courageous four times in one chapter. He'd just watched Moses die and had an uncrossable river ahead. That context matters.