Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.
Luke 7:47
BSB
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What comes first
Simon, a Pharisee, had invited Jesus to a meal. Water for his feet, a kiss, oil: Simon had offered none of it. A woman known as a sinner did it all, and more: with tears, with kisses on his feet, with fragrant oil. Simon looked down on her; Jesus did not.
The old translation says: for she loved much. Was she forgiven because she loved much? That has long been debated. The story of two debtors Jesus had just told points the other way: love follows forgiveness. Her love was not the price of forgiveness, but the evidence of it.
Question for today
Do I keep a safe distance, like Simon, or do I show my gratitude?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am often proper, but distant. Let my love for you grow out of gratitude, not out of duty. Amen.
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