Redeeming Love Movie Reflection

 I need to preface this blog with two warnings. First, I will be talking about the movie, Redeeming Love. There will be spoiler alerts, so if you don't want to know any major plot points, stop reading this blog. Second, this movie deals with sensitive material. Specifically, the movie had numerous sex scenes. The movie was rated PG 13, but I would have rated it R. In fact, two older women left the theatre. I am not %100 sure they left because they were uncomfortable and disapproved. But, they were whispering to each other that they didn't approve. I am sure that there are Christians who went to watch the movie who expected it to be void of sexuality and nudity. This movie is not for those who struggle with sexual sin. You have to be at a certain maturity level. If sexuality and nudity make you uncomfortable or you simply object to these types of events occuring in a movie, Redeeming Love is not for you. With that said, this blog might also address sensitive material. If this makes you uncomfortable, feel free to stop reading.

This blog isn't meant to be a review. I will not be talking about whether I liked the acting or cinematography. I will just be reflecting on how this movie spiritually moved me. Unfortunately, there is plenty of backlash against this movie from the Christian community. Many consider it pure filth and blatant porn. I don't share that opinion. This movie displayed the Biblical expression of sex. The movie and book were inspired by the book of Hosea, which is an epic expression of how God lavished His love on His people even in their rebellion and constant wandering.

I appreciated how the film made the main female as reprobate as possible. It showed her tragic past and how it hardened her. Angel/Sarah did and said things that were truly vile and hurtful. It was tempting to think she was no longer worthy of Michael's love. It is tempting for us to be self-righteous and ignore our own sins. Everyone downplays their own sin. We might judge Angel/Sarah's actions. However, we are no better than she. Michael's patience and devotion to this hardened soul was stunning and simply beautiful. His affection for Angel/Sarah was void of bullying, subjugation, and narcissism. His love forced her hand; she would learn to love him in return. I took such comfort in this. I have seen relationships, even Christian ones, where the man believes the woman is there to serve him to her own detriment. I have seen women's spirits broken because their husbands/boyfriends have mistreated them. God's love is otherworldly. It is sacrificial and filled with mercy. Watching Michael serve Angel/Sarah, even in her fallenness, was a sigh of relief. In such dark times, I was once again reminded of God's relentless lovingkindness.

There were two images in the movie that spoke to me on a more personal level. The image of the sun was a central theme in the movie. God often uses the sun to remind me of His love for me. I have spoken about this in previous blogs. The scene when the sun rose over the mountains took my breath away. One scripture that often encourages me is found in Psalms 19: 1-5. 

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays his handiwork. Day after day it speaks out; night after night it reveals his greatness. There is no actual speech or word, nor is its voice literally heard. Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth; its words carry to the distant horizon. In the sky, he has pitched a tent for the sun. Like a bridegroom it emerges from its chamber; like a strong man it enjoys running its course."

The wedding ring that Michael gave to Angel/Sarah was the second image that spoke to me. Many years ago, I saw a breathtaking ring in the most unlikely of places. I was at a gas station. I saw this ring and immediately thought, if I ever got married, that is exactly the type of ring I would want. I bought it. I think it was under $5. Very cheap—and I lost it within a few months. (I am very skilled at losing jewelry). As you might have already guessed, the ring Michael gave to Angel/Sarah was surprisingly similar. It had a simple circle cut. When I saw the ring on the screen, I had to do a double take. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was the exact ring, similar in shape and simple beauty. I still get chills thinking about it.

I won't spend much time on this next topic because I don't want to offend. People who want to criticize people for watching this movie, please don't. It might be immoral for you, but it might be life changing for someone else. Women who have had a difficult past with sexual assault or abuse might actually find significant healing. The ultimate message of the movie is not sexual promiscuity. The movie is about REDEEMING love. Love that rescues you from your darkness and welcomes you into a world of acceptance and protection. Don't judge people who respond positively to the movie. It is NOT for everyone, but it might be for someone.

There is much more to say. I might reflect on it again; however, this blog is already longer than my normal posts. This movie made me closer to God. It reignited a passion for Him. There was a long span of my lifetime when I simply had a wrong mindset. Like Angel/Sarah, I was trapped in a dark world and didn't feel like I could escape. I wanted to live within my prison because I thought it brought me some sense of security. Now I am more free, I am less dogmatic, and I have a better understanding of how God loves me and His people. I desperately want to share it with the world. I hope the secular community watches this film and something ignites a curiosity in them. Does God love them like that? Yes! God said "He loved us while we were still His enemies". I thought of that scripture when Angel/Sarah saw Michael in the barn crying in anguish. Michael suffered because his pursuit of Angel/Sarah was no easy road. Jesus died for us to win us back. Such a good movie with such a needed message. I definitely recommend this movie. I will be purchasing it as soon as it hits the shelves.