FOR SHE LOVED MUCH.

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

FEBRUARY 23
 
Luke 7:47
Wherefore I say into thee, Her sins, which are many,
are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little
is forgiven, the same loveth little.

 

She hath been a great sinner; convinced of her sin,

     she sought the Saviour;

         applied for pardon, and

               she found mercy.

 

Deeply affected with the love of Christ, and 

  the manner in which he displayed it, 

  her soul glowed with love to him in return.

 

She not only loved him, but she loved him much: and 

  therefore she could endure scorn, 

  contempt, and persecution,

  in order to enjoy his presence and listen to his word.

 

Her love would not be confined in her bosom,

  it sought to show itself;

  she therefore brought the alabaster box of precious ointment,

  washed his feet with her tears,

  wiped them with the hair of her head, and

  anointed them with the ointment.

 

Here is an example for us; we also are great sinners,

   Jesus has kindly received us and pardoned our sins;

  his love to us is as great as it was to this woman,

  but is our love to him, equal to her’s?

 

I fear not.

 

But why?

 

Because our conviction of sin is not as clear.

Our views of unworthiness are not as vivid,

  our apprehensions of danger are not as painful,

  our sense of pardoning mercy is not as deep.

 

We must direct our thoughts to Jesus, and

seek for the Holy Spirit to shed abroad his love in our hearts.

 

 

For love like thine, O God of heaven,

What grateful honours shall we show?

Where much transgression is forgiven,

Let love in equal favour glow.

 

James Smith