Forgiven much? Forgive much!
Scripture:
Luke 7:41-43,47
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.”
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.”
Observation:
God demonstrates his grace and love to all people. Some receive it with thanksgiving some reject it. The one who had a small debt forgiven was not as grateful as the one who had been forgiven much. He who is forgiven little, loves little. The reality is, we are all in need of much forgiveness. Unfortunately, instead of acknowledging my need of “much forgiveness” I instead am prone to judge others pointing out their great failures. Instead of elevating myself to a holier standing before God, this sinful attitude actually keeps me from receiving from the Lord. Instead of receiving grace and mercy I receive judgment from God in the same manner I have judged others. I am capable of rejecting the just work of God on my behalf through Jesus Christ. If I am well (in my own eyes) I am not in need of the good physician.
Application:
I need to be slow to pass judgment and quick to show compassion. How do I view others in light of what Christ has done for me. Do I sit at the table with Christ, judging his words and his works to see if I approve of them? Do I look for ways where I don’t need to apply His word to my own life or am I on the floor worshiping at His feet because of the great burden of sin that has been lifted off of me? Do I remain cold and judgmental and hard of heart or am I broken before my God deeply grateful for His undeserved mercy? I need to observe my attitude towards others and recognize where my heart is.
Prayer:
Lord help me to recognize my own sin and misery before You. Break my heart over my sin and the way I have treated others in my heart. I’ve been concerned about the condition of others’ life forgetting to look into my own life and see the bounty of wickedness that still remains. Cleanse me O Lord, make me white as snow. Thank You for forgiving me “much” may I never forget all You have done on my behalf and help me to extend that mercy and grace towards others, not just those I like, but those for whom it is difficult for me.
