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.
Luke 7, 47
When my friend helps me out of trouble and even disadvantages himself, then my gratitude is very large. He has proved that he is a good friend, and I want to prove myself as a good, loyal friend. The result is a friendship that holds. This love and loyalty among friends has a special word in Greek; – It’s not meant marital or sexual love, but a pure friendship.
If anyone has 5 Euros of debt which is cancelled, he is happy. But if someone has 5,000,000 Euros of debt which is cancelled, he can hardly believe his luck and he is forever grateful.
If someone has only very, very rarely sinned and never committed something bad, then the forgiveness of Jesus is for him "nice" and his dedication and love for Jesus is not particularly pronounced. If anyone sees his sins with God’s eyes and recognizes himself as a sinner through and through, he knows about the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He knows he must actually have to hang himself on the cross, but Jesus did it for him out of love. His devotion to the Lord, who instead of condemning us accepts and acquits us through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, is without borders.
If we really want to love Jesus dearly, we allow Him to shine through us and to show us our sins and failures. And then we can take His love and receive forgiveness.
From this love of Jesus we live every day anew. Constantly we realize our lack of love, compassion, patience and kindness. Constantly we need Jesus and His cleansing forgiveness. And more and more we love Jesus, who says ‘yes’ to us, and envelops us in love and mercy.
Yes, Jesus, you have forgiven me much! I’m not a good person, as I should be, no, there is a lot of failure and limitation. How good that you look at me with compassion and constantly forgive my sin! You said yes to me and accept me out of love. Give me more of your spirit of love, because I want to love you dearly!
Bible reading today: 2 Corinthians 1, 12-24