Message from Scripture: 5/14/2020

Greetings! Today’s message from Scripture comes from Luke 7:47; "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.”

The context of this passage is of a Pharisee who invited Jesus to dinner, but provided nothing a good host would normally offer. It was not uncommon for a meal with an important guest to be held in a public venue, so others would be impressed with the host. A woman, identified as a sinner, showed her appreciation for what Jesus had done for her by washing His feet with her tears, and drying them with her hair. The Pharisee just saw her as a sinner; the woman saw Jesus as her Savior. The Pharisee thought he needed nothing from Christ, having no love for Jesus. The woman was overcome by love for the One she knew could bring her assurance of God's forgiveness.

Love, real love, will show itself in response to the will of God. Genuine love will not be hidden; by the Pharisee’s response, we have no indication that he had any love for Jesus. Genuine love will be selfless; you might doubt the wisdom of what the woman did, but you cannot doubt her sincerity.

When you look at how you respond to Christ and the gospel, do you love little or much? Knowing all Jesus has done for us, may our love be much, seen by our commitment to live for Him. “Jesus answered, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. The one who doesn’t love me will not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me” (John 14:23-24).

We are connected by the love of God in Christ. May our love be real, true, and selfless for our Lord and each other. Love much today. God bless.

Robert