Forgiveness is About the Undeserving Not the Deserving
“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” – Luke 7:47
Our perception of someone can be skewed by their past, their pain, or their failure. We notice the ugly. We see the worst. Let’s not mention if the person is someone we don’t care for. Maybe it’s an annoying neighbor, the flirty mom in the pick-up line, the mean-hearted boss, or the suspicious-looking guy on the corner. Sometimes these are the ones we write off. Oddly, we try to determine who deserves to be loved…who needs forgiveness.
In Luke 7:36-47, Jesus challenged a Pharisee's perception of forgiveness. When Jesus is invited to Simon's house for dinner, a woman with a scandalous past walks in and does something very out of the ordinary. She kisses Jesus’ feet with her tears and wipes his feet with her hair. Odd yet striking at the same time. What did Jesus do that would cause this woman to display such an act of kindness in a room of judging eyes and questionable hearts? Could it be that she knew the incredible depth of her sin? She was a sinner, and she went searching for her Savior. When she found Him, she did what anyone who understands the power of forgiveness - she loved Him!
Of course, the Pharisee who knew her shameful story didn’t appreciate this act in his very own home, and called her out in front of Jesus. To him, Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little” (Luke 7:47). Jesus' reply teaches us that forgiveness is not about the deserving but about the undeserving. Because of sin, no one deserves to be forgiven, not even the good ones. We all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Therefore, everyone is a sinner. It is only because of Jesus that forgiveness is possible and isn’t limited.
The next time we see someone we think is a “sinner,” let’s look at them through the lens of Christ. All mankind is undeserving of God's forgiveness - including you and me. To the one who has experienced the power of God’s forgiveness, may our love for Him keep us on our knees in appreciation.
Question for Reflection:
Think of someone whom you struggle to love or even forgive. Maybe this person offended you or is just difficult to love. Take a few days and pray that God would change your heart regarding this person, and intentionally pray for this person as well. Then, if led, reach out to them, write them a letter, take them to lunch, or just say hello. Don’t let the enemy win; instead, allow forgiveness and love to open the door for God to work and do something amazing in your heart and their life. Forgiveness is powerful!
