Forgiven little? Loving little.
Simon invites Jesus to a meal in his home. Holding Him at arm’s length. Studying the Master.
And in the midst of critical scrutiny, he foregoes the most basic act of hospitality.
Washing the feet of his guest.
Forgiven much
Meanwhile, a woman enters the room.
Everyone knows she’s a sinner.
She does too. But she’s been found by the One who came to seek and to save the lost.
And forgiven much, she loves much.
Pouring out an abundant offering to her Lord.
Serving Him extravagantly.
Loving little
Some days, I act like Simon.
Pridefully appraising others. Criticizing their statements. Scrutinizing their lives.
Forgetting the most basic acts of hospitality. Like washing feet. And welcoming others to the table.
Loving little.
As though I’ve been forgiven little.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.” [Matthew 25:40]
How could I forget?
The woman reminds me.
His love and forgiveness utterly changed my direction. Redeemed my life.
Delivering me out of darkness into His marvelous light.
How could I forget?
I’ve been forgiven much. How can I not love much?
Sacrificial love
This love is not determined in some calculated way. Nor by my own ability.
No, this love comes from and responds to His unending grace and mercy.
Sacrificial, unconditional love took Him to the cross.
And that same love is poured out in the hearts of His followers. To overflow into the world around us.
Abiding in Christ
Forgiven much? Love much.
Not dwelling in scrutiny but living in surrender.
Daily abiding in Christ. Through prayer and His Word.
Walking by faith in His ways. Following where He leads. Loving one another. Loving the lost.
For the sake of the Kingdom. And the glory of our King.
What about you?
Do you ever find yourself acting like Simon? What has the Lord taught you about loving little and much?
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3 replies on “Forgiven”
Thank you for this. I needed this reminder. I’d never noticed the scrutiny of Simon and the way you put it exposed pride in me. I’ve been forgiven so much. How can I not love much, and yet it’s still a struggle. Lord, have mercy and keep reminding me. I appreciate you.
This really exposed my pride and lack of love and forgiveness for others as I forget the love that Jesus showed me all the way to the cross.
Thanks! This affirms the reminder I had yesterday that a slave looks to his master and a handmaiden to her mistress-I do t belong to myself. I belong to HIM!