February 14 | Luke 7:40-50

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DAILY READING

Luke 7:40-50

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REFLECTION

ACTION and REACTION

By Jennifer Jerrome

This Valentine’s Day is extra special because I have a new love in my life – my grandson. Although he’s only two months old, I’m already anticipating how the world will shape his development.

While reading today’s scripture, verse 47 brought to mind the cause-and-effect theory which states, “when a specific action or condition occurs, it produces a predictable result.”

whoever has been forgiven little loves little

The less forgiveness a person receives, the less love they are able to give. Thank goodness the opposite is true. The more forgiveness a person experiences, the greater their capacity to forgive others. Thus ultimately creating a positive circular reaction – the more forgiveness, the more love and the more love, the more forgiveness.

Imagine if you had never been forgiven. What would your life look like? I’m guessing there would be a lot of anger and bitterness. We all know a person (or persons) who seems perpetually sour. There could be multiple reasons for their discontent, but maybe what they need is someone to come along and love them no matter what.

That’s Jesus. He’s the one who comes along and tells those who don’t know forgiveness, “Your sins are forgiven… go in peace.”

What kind of impact do you think that had on the “sinful woman” in today’s story? Did her heart leap? Did she cry tears of joy? Did her body release years of pent-up sorrow?

How great would it have been to witness this? Would we even have known what was happening?

I believe Jesus was drawn to the “lowly sinners” because when they are shown kindness and mercy, their capacity to show kindness and mercy is multiplied exponentially. They become wonderful examples of His love. God saves those who are holding on by a thread of faith because He knows the enduring pattern of love and forgiveness this will create.

And when we are forgiven of our sins, we are able to rest in the peace that it brings.

One of my favorite things on Sunday is when the pastor says, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” Not because this signals the end of the service, but because it means a new beginning – new chances to forgive, new chances to love others in His Name.

PRAYER

Father,

I pray each day that you give me a heart for what breaks yours. Show me those who have been forgiven little and make me an instrument of your forgiveness. Like the woman you met at Simon’s house, may I serve as an example, not only for my children and grandchildren, but for any of your children who have been forgiven little and need loved much. Amen

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JENNIFER JERROME

I have known I was a child of God from the beginning. I was baptized and raised in the Catholic church and began attending UALC about 18 years ago when my husband I were searching for a place to worship and serve as a family. UALC has helped shape our faith over the years. We have been through several seasons of life and the constant has been our faith and family.

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