PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 7:40-50
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:47)
Am I the kind of person who admits or denies my sin and shame?
This woman had no doubt that her life did not measure up.
Everyone around her told her, and she constantly felt it herself.
She was so low, she could not go any lower.
And yet this is where Jesus meets her, and makes her feel loved.
No one had ever seen her as a real person, or treated her kindly.
But when Jesus saw her, forgave her, helped her, she was overwhelmed.
She was transformed by the love that looked past her sin and shame.
Her expensive business perfume (as a prostitute) became her gift of love.
When I say I am a sinner, I do not mean that I am worthless or terrible.
For me it means I fall short in so many ways, and am driven by a self-centered spirit.
The Lord knows me inside and out, better than I know myself, and he still loves me.
He does not hold my failures against me, he welcomes my flawed yet sincere love.
The more we realize his grace, the more we will respond with love and gratitude.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see myself as you see me. Help me to be the kind of sinner that loves you very, very much!
Lord help me love much. Thank you for forgiving me day after day in the mistakes I make and help me show the same love and forgiveness to others that you show me daily.
“whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Do I realize the gravity and the immenseness of my forgiveness? I’m saved from damnation – separation from God. Hell is not popular, in fact may can’t conceive of a God that would condemn people to hell – especially the picture of eternal flames and pain and suffering. Yet we see pictures of a hellish experience for many even in our circles – people who suffer chronic pain and those wanting to die to get freedom from it. That is hell too. I put my hope in grace – God’s grace and I know that I don’t deserve it but it is a gift of God through Jesus – but it took ‘hell’ for Jesus to get it for me – that is why I hope in him. My forgiveness is great – my love is service to him – help me to love much!
I am reminded of the woman who gave all that she had to the Lord -two pennies. Mary here did the same. All for Jesus who showed His love and mercy. Totally different than Simon. I too am in need of His lone and mercy. Come into my heart Lord Jesus so I may go out and serve others and show the love of God in me.
1
Come into my heart, O Lord Jesus,
Come into my heart, I pray;
My soul is so troubled and weary,
Come into my heart, today.
Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.
2
Come into my heart, O Lord Jesus,
I need Thee through life’s dreary way;
The burden of sin is so heavy,
Come into my heart to stay.
3
Come into my heart, O Lord Jesus,
Now cleanse and illumine my soul;
Fill me with Thy wonderful Spirit,
Come in and take full control.