The Freedom of Forgiveness

“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)

Lent is a season to reflect on God’s mercy and our response to it. In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus encounters a woman known for her sinful past. She enters a Pharisee’s house and, in a profound act of love and gratitude, anoints Jesus’ feet with her tears and costly perfume. Though the religious leaders saw her as unworthy, Jesus saw her faith. He said to her, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)

1. Recognizing Our Need for Grace

The woman knew she was a sinner and came to Jesus in humility. The Pharisee, Simon, did not see his own need for forgiveness. Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” William Barclay warns, “The one thing which shuts a man off from God is self-sufficiency.” True faith begins with acknowledging our need for God’s mercy.

2. The Power of Christ’s Forgiveness

Jesus tells a parable of two debtors—one owing much, the other little. Both are forgiven, yet the one forgiven more loves more (Luke 7:41-42). Ephesians 1:7 declares, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” No matter how great our sin, Christ’s grace is greater (1 John 1:9). C.S. Lewis reminds us, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”

The sacrificial system foreshadowed Jesus’ death. The Day of Atonement required a spotless lamb (Leviticus 23:12), and Paul declared Jesus as our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). The Year of Jubilee symbolized forgiveness and freedom, both of which we have fully found in Christ. Just as He has wiped away our sins, we are called to extend that same grace of forgiveness to others.

3. Love as a Response to Grace

Alexander Maclaren observes, “Love, which is the child of pardon, is the parent of goodness.” The woman’s extravagant act of devotion flowed from a heart transformed by grace. Ephesians 2:8 affirms, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Forgiveness is not just about being set free—it changes us to love deeply and live differently.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I come to You as I am, in need of Your mercy. Forgive me, cleanse me, and teach me to love You with all my heart. Help me to extend the grace I have received to others. May I walk in the peace of Your forgiveness and live a life of gratitude. Amen.

Final Verse:

“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” (Romans 4:7)

This Lent, let us kneel at Jesus’ feet, embrace His mercy, and go in peace—living as those who have been forgiven much.