“Therefore
I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much.
But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Luke 7:47
Her story is heartrending.
In the Bible’s account, this woman is described as “a sinner” (Luke 7:37). Many
believe that she was a prostitute. When she came to Jesus, He did not chase her
away, humiliate her, or condemn her for her sins. He knew how guilt had been
eating her up on the inside, and had compassion for her.
As she neared Jesus, she
began weeping. Then, she washed His feet with her tears, wiped them with her
hair, and anointed them with the precious ointment that would have cost her an
entire year’s wages. Without hesitation, she lavished it on Jesus’ feet and
worshiped Him.
In response, Jesus said
that those who know and believe how abundantly God truly loves and has forgiven
them will end up loving God very much. Simply put, those who have been forgiven
much, love much. Those who have been forgiven little, love little. That’s why
the emphasis of the new covenant is not about your love for God; it is about
God’s love for you.
Do you see that your love
for God in the new covenant is birthed out of a genuine and authentic
relationship with Him? It is not a groveling display that is birthed out of the
fear of punishment or religious obligation. Under grace, we are able to love
God because He first loved us. That is why people under grace become the
holiest people you will ever meet. Their holiness flows out of their love
relationship with Jesus! They have experienced His unconditional love in an
intimate and personal way that transforms them. They just want to live lives
that glorify and honor the name of Jesus.
Friend,
we have all been forgiven much, but many don’t know and don’t believe this.
Give up on trying to overcome your own failings, mistakes, addictions, and
bondages, imagining that God requires this of you before you can come before
Him. When you fail, come to Jesus with boldness and confidence as this woman
did. Feel free to weep in His sweet presence and simply worship Him. Pour out
everything that is on your heart to Him. Don’t worry, He will not heap more
guilt and condemnation upon you. He will remind you of the cross and say, “Your
sins are already forgiven. I have already paid the price for your sins at
Calvary. Rest in My forgiveness and love for you.” (Article & Picture; courtesy of Joseph
Prince Ministries, used with kind permission).
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