“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 NLT
Lord Jesus, it’s as simple and profound, daily and real as this: Because you’ve forgiven ALL of our sins, we should love you with ever-growing gratitude and indefatigable delight. And a second response to our forgiveness is just as important: We should also be the most humble and gentle, compassionate and loving people in our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Lord may it be; may it increasingly be, as long as you give us breath.
By the power of your Spirit, keep us constantly aware of how much we actually need the forgiveness you’ve given us. Never let us think our sins are less numerous or egregious than anybody else’s. They may not be as “technicolor,” but our sins required your work upon the cross just as much as anybody’s. Indeed, never let us presume on our standing in grace (Rom. 5:1), rootedness in your love (Eph. 3:17), and seat in the heavenlies (Eph. 2:6-7).
And convict us very quickly when we indulge an irritable spirit or a judgmental attitude towards others. Help us respond with patience and kindness to a wide range of scenarios. Give us grace for unintentional oversights and intentional slights; when harsh words are spoken to us and encouraging words are left unspoken; when we’re ignored by people we love or marginalized by people at work. Lord, give us thick skin and big hearts.
Jesus, in our anger, keep us from sinning; in our pain, keep us from blaming; and in our disappointments, keep us from sulking. May our body language even speak grace. 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 for our hearts. So very Amen we pray, in your forgiving and tender name.
