Love and Forgiveness

In Luke chapter 7, verses 36-50, we read about the sinful woman breaking an alabaster jar of perfume and pouring it on Jesus' feet, which she had washed with her tears and dried with her own hair.  The Pharisee, who had invited Jesus thought to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman this is, that she is a sinner."

Jesus, knowing what was in his heart, said to him, "You did not offer a bowl of water to wash my feet, but this woman has washed them with her tears."  He was referring to the practice of hospitality of the day in which a guest was afforded the respect of a foot washing upon entering the house, which the Pharisee neglected.

Jesus was pointing out the stark difference in the sinful woman and the prideful Pharisee, saying, "she has been forgiven much, therefore she loves much."  The Pharisee did not display the love as the woman did for he did not love much, thinking himself not in need of much or any forgiveness.  He believed himself to be righteous but instead was only self-righteous.

The woman was not in need of more forgiveness than the Pharisee, she merely recognized her need more clearly than he.  She felt more love because she felt more need of forgiveness and was open to  accepting more grace than he.  They were both "sinners" but she knew her sin, having had it pointed out so often by men like this Pharisee, who believed himself above declarations of sin.

Do you realize that you "sin and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23)?  Do you further realize that "God so loved you that he sent his only Son to die for you" (John 3:16)?  Do you realize that his forgiveness is not only for the sins you have already committed but that "the blood of Christ continually forgives your sins" (1 Jn 1:7)?

When you get depressed, he loves and forgives you.  When you think evil thoughts, he loves and forgives you.  When you lie, he loves and forgives you.  When you are gluttenous, he loves and forgives you.  When you turn away from him, he loves and forgives you.  When you sit in judgment, he loves and forgives you.  When you spread gossip, he loves and forgives you.  When you steal, he loves and forgives you.  When you sin sexually, he loves and forgives you.

Did you know that nothing you have done or will do negates his love and desire to forgive you, that "nothing in all creation can seperate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus" (Rom 8:39)?  Did you know that?  Did you know how much you are loved and forgiven?  If you do, can you possibly do anything less than love Him with all your heart, knowing how much He forgives?  Jus' Askn.