Inspiring Forgiveness

We live at a time when the spirit of entitlement is pervasive, and the spirit of gratitude is easily ignored. This story takes place in the house of a Pharisee. What might have been just another social time soon includes a memorable moment. Jesus is reclining at the table, with his feet tucked in behind him. And then, “a woman of the city, who was a sinner,” comes on the scene. Weeping, she takes her alabaster flask of ointment and lavishes it on the feet of Jesus. The Pharisee took offence and hastily concluded that Jesus was not a prophet. If he were, he would have put this woman in her place.

Jesus responds with a story of a moneylender and notes that being forgiven a large debt can inspire great love and gratitude. He then notes that Simon the Pharisee appears to lack some of the virtues that are manifest in this woman whom he so readily judged. No water for Jesus’ feet, no kiss of welcome, no oil for his head—all breaches of hospitality. The woman so easily disparaged in this social context is acknowledged as generous and caring and hears from Jesus those powerful words: “Your sins are forgiven.”

A diminished sense of our sinfulness is all too common among those of us who are believers, and with it comes a diminished sense of gratitude for our forgiveness. If we can capture something of the overflow of the grace that won our salvation, we will be better fit to live out of an overflow of gratitude, which means freely offering all we are and have to the One who has saved us.

Respond in Prayer

Lord Jesus, keep me from engaging in quick judgment of others and help me to understand more deeply the forgiveness I have received by faith in you. May my life be characterized more by love and gratitude because of the lavish grace of your forgiveness. Amen.

John Franklin

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).