Forgiveness and Love

But he who is forgiven little, loves little. (Luke 7:47b)

Luke 7:36-40; Acts 5:31; Eph. 1:7; I Tim. 1:15

What Is God Saying?

Here was a meeting of people on the opposite ends of society: a Pharisee vis-à-vis an ordinary woman. Having received a new life from Jesus, she couldn't do enough to show her love and gratitude for him. The alabaster flask was perhaps her most prized possession, and the ointment was not cheap. She displayed her love in a way that the Pharisee found offensive. Was he sorry he invited this popular young rabbi? He muttered to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of a woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.’ He may have gone on in this sotto voce monologue, ‘Why did I invite him? He would not have permitted this disgraceful scene if he were the real thing.’

Simon, said Jesus, using his name to be sure he would get the message. Then he told the story of the two debtors who were both forgiven their debts. The difference was significant, 500 to 1. Quite a difference! Of course, Simon had to agree that the one who was forgiven the more considerable debt would love the creditor more. The conclusion was self-evident. The woman who had been forgiven of her many sins was showing her love extravagantly. The Pharisee felt little need for forgiveness in his eminently correct life and little need to love. He was himself a case in point.

How Does This Apply To Us?

When we realize how much God has forgiven us, set us free, and given us, our hearts run over with love. ‘Love so amazing, so divine’ that ‘demands our souls, our lives, our all.’ Forgiven much, we have great reason to love.

Pray With Me

God of all truth and mercy, I am forgiven much-not once but often; not partially but wholly; not by careful accounting but by lavish generosity; not according to my merits but according to your mercy. Now, Lord, forgiven so much and loved so greatly, I would not miss the next step. Forgiveness and love are inseparable, like weights that bring a scale into balance.

This woman broke her alabaster flask and gave its priceless contents to symbolize her love in response to your forgiveness. May I count no point of pride too expensive, no secret ambition too dear in value, no spirit of revenge too close to my heart to be gladly and freely sacrificed. Forgiven and loved, may I be forgiving and loving.

Forgive me, Lord, that my love, being so often so little, appears to say that I have not been forgiven so frequently and so much. Let my love begin to match Your forgiveness. At least, Lord, let it try.

In the name of Him whose forgiving love was, is, and ever shall be inexhaustible. Amen.

Moving On In The Life of Prayer

Forgiveness and loving much are pillars that hold up our prayers. If we remember how much we have been forgiven, we will be less likely to forget how much we are loved and ought to love. Can we have a more substantial base for prayer and a more significant reason to pray?