“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Luke 7:47
Lord Jesus, it’s as daily, profound, and freeing as this: First: Because you’ve forgiven ALL of our sins, we should love you with ever-growing awe, perpetual gratitude, and unwavering delight. Second: You call and us to become the most humble and gentle, compassionate and loving person in any of our relationships. Lord may it be so more and more until you take us Home.
Jesus, by the power of your Spirit, keep us constantly aware of how much you’ve forgiven us and cherish us. Don’t let us minimize the wonder of our forgiveness by thinking our sins are less offensive and numerous than other people’s.
Convict us quickly when we indulge an irritable spirit or a judgmental attitude towards others. Help us respond mercifully and grace-fully to a wide range of scenarios and personalities: Unintentional oversights and intentional slights. Unkind words spoken and caring words left unspoken. Being ignored by people we love or target practice for people who deserve zero power over our heart.
Jesus, in our anger keep us from sinning. In our pain keep us from blaming. In our disappointment keep us from sulking. This isn’t denial about real issues; it’s delighting more fully in you. Only your love is better than life. Only your love will never let go of us. Only your love was, is, and ever will be enough to fill the Jesus-shaped vacuum in our hearts.
Today and tomorrow, we’ll either fix our eyes adoringly on you, selfishly on ourselves, or critically on others. We choose to see, savor, and be deeply satisfied in you, Jesus. Hallelujah, thank you, and So Very Amen.
