Great Love Shown

The Spirit Comes
The Pledge of God's Presence

Love One Another

Luke 7:40-48  The Message

⁴⁰ Jesus said to him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Oh? Tell me.”
^41-42 “Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?”
^43-47 Simon answered, “I suppose the one who was forgiven the most.”
“That’s right,” said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, “Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn’t quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn’t it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.”
⁴⁸ Then he spoke to her: “I forgive your sins.”

For Reflection

 Those who know God and are not grateful take God's forgiveness for granted.  They feel little obligation to express gratefulness.  Not this woman of countless sins, however.  She expresses extravagant gratefulness.  Knowing God, we are indebted to God's saving grace.  We should not assume God's forgiveness, but rather, be humbled by it.  How do you express your gratefulness?

Pray

that you will yearn for, hope for forgiveness.  Pray that you will never take God's grace for granted.  Pray for those who have not experienced God's forgiveness and grace.  Pray that you will find opportunities to express your gratefulness to God through acts of compassion.