Introductory Thoughts
Luke chapter seven records the story of Christ eating at the house of a Pharisee named Simon. A woman, who knew Jesus was visiting Simon, entered into the house with a box of ointment and a determination to outwardly shower the Lord with her love for Him. She anointed His feet and wiped them with the hairs of her head, all the while weeping. This event greatly troubled Simon because of the woman's unsavoury past. Christ knew Simon's inward thoughts questioning how the Lord could allow this sinner to make such a fuss over Him. Did He not know her sordid reputation? Christ used this opportunity to teach some important truths concerning forgiveness by putting Simon to a test. Christ questioned this Pharisee about who would love most: a person forgiven of little or one forgiven of much. The answer was obvious to Simon—a person forgiven of much possessed a natural capacity to love more than one who had been forgiven for less. In other words, those who have been forgiven the most by the Lord often display a greater, more fervent love toward the Lord than those who have been forgiven to a lesser degree.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): We often fail God by talking back, whining, throwing fits, and failing to immediately obey when told to do something. Yet, our parents still love us and want us to be their children. Because God is God, He loves us more than even our parents. We should be very thankful for Him.
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(For everyone): Have you been forgiven of much by the Lord? Do you find that you love Him more when you think of the sins for which He has forgiven you? Does His forgiveness toward you help you to forgive others?
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Why do you fail to forgive others? Is it their fault, or is it a lack of love on your part? Whom do you need to forgive right now? If you put it off again, you may never do it! Do it now even if it means a special trip or call.
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to remind you of your life before you met Christ.
- Ask the Lord to give you a heart to rejoice when others are forgiven.
Song
THERE IS A FOUNTAIN FILLED WITH BLOOD
