Meditate On
It’s All about God’s Love
“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven,
for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
Luke 7:47
Her story is heartrending. In the Bible’s account, this
woman is described as “a sinner” (Luke 7:37). Many believe that she was a
prostitute. When she came to Jesus, He did not chase her away, humiliate her,
or condemn her for her sins. He knew how guilt had been eating her up on the
inside, and had compassion for her.
As she neared Jesus, she began weeping. Then, she washed
His feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and anointed them with the
precious ointment that would have cost her an entire year’s wages. Without
hesitation, she lavished it on Jesus’ feet and worshiped Him.
In response, Jesus said that those who know and believe
how abundantly God truly loves and has forgiven them will end up loving God
very much. Simply put, those who have been forgiven much, love much. Those who
have been forgiven little, love little. That’s why the emphasis of the new
covenant is not about your love for God; it is about God’s love for you.
Do you see that your love for God in the new covenant is
birthed out of a genuine and authentic relationship with Him? It is not a
groveling display that is birthed out of the fear of punishment or religious
obligation. Under grace, we are able to love God because He first loved us.
That is why people under grace become the holiest people you will ever meet.
Their holiness flows out of their love relationship with Jesus! They have
experienced His unconditional love in an intimate and personal way that
transforms them. They just want to live lives that glorify and honor the name
of Jesus.
Friend, we have all been forgiven much, but many don’t
know and don’t believe this. Give up on trying to overcome your own failings,
mistakes, addictions, and bondages, imagining that God requires this of you
before you can come before Him. When you fail, come to Jesus with boldness and
confidence as this woman did. Feel free to weep in His sweet presence and
simply worship Him. Pour out everything that is on your heart to Him. Don’t
worry, He will not heap more guilt and condemnation upon you. He will remind
you of the cross and say, “Your sins are already forgiven. I have already paid
the price for your sins at Calvary. Rest in My forgiveness and love for you.”
BLESSINGS
JOSEPH PRINCE
