Saturday, January 7, 2012

She who was forgiven much, loves much

Luke 7:36-50



36 Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.

37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume,

38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.

39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”

40 And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.”

41 “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.

42 When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”

44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 4

5 You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet.

46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume.

47 For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

48 Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.”

49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?”

50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”


Let each of us contemplate and realize how much we have been saved from and what our Savior did for this precious salvation we embrace.  When we truly realize the cost we can then forgive others more easily because we have been forgiven MUCH.

May God be glorified!

3 comments:

Kay said...

Forgiveness is laying heavy on my heart tonight.

I have a very religious friend who has verbally attacked me personally because I am leaving her church.

Though very religious for 40+ years, I am "knew in the Lord" aka "saved". I can no longer remain in my lifelong church b/c I have come to see her heresies thru scripture, etc.

I do forgive my friend, but i suppose not entirely because I am still feeling hurt, still wanting to tell her how she has hurt me, etc. because apparently she doesn't see how she has attacked me...etc.

It has been a while since I've had to forgive like this. So this scripture is very insightful. Thank you for posting. Please pray I might be able to truly forgive.

The Piper's Wife said...

Oh, Kay...I am so sorry & I grieve with you for your hurt & disappointment in your friend.

First, I praise God with you for your new salvation! Many, many of us have gone to churches & not known what God's truth really is! You are not alone~~praise the LORD every day for your eyes opening to His truth & your new discernment of His truth!

This is what your friend has not realized yet. She needs your prayers so she may someday see the truth also! God hears our cries and He inclines to us.

Being hurt is a feeling & it can be justified. The problem comes when we consider it too much. I suggest you allow yourself to feel sad for a bit & then give it to God over & over. This will become eaiser as time goes by.

Forgiveness is tough when we have been unjustly treated. Run to God just as you give Him your hurt feelings. This may be something you must do over & over also.

You may think differently & be able to process your forgiveness more naturally when you realize that your friend is just a deceived person, as you once were.

There is a saying in the Christian Appologetics Ministry: "Deception by Investment"

It is really very true. Whatever the subject, we can become completely blinded because we are so invested in what we have spent time in. This is where your friend is (plus she is probably feeling betrayed by you~~thus her personal attacks on you and her not thinking they are attacks)

I am praising God that my post helped you. I was reminded of this scripture recently and how precious it is! This where I am! This is where you are!

Each of us are such sinners & yet we are saved by His marvelous grace. Until we really understand how much we needed to be saved, as humans, we usually have a tough time being humble enough to truly forgive others.

Yes, Kay, I will pray for you & for your deceived friend.

Run to God who will give you such peace during this difficult time. He will shower you with mercies, He will lift your head, & you will draw nearer to Him. As all this happens the pain which she has caused you will fade as you have more & more compassion for her & for others who are deceived.

It is a wicked world & we are the light. Our compassions speak volumes to a lost world. May God be glorified in this!

lovingly, Jill

The Piper's Wife said...

Read Psalm 40