Forgiveness

Let me share a moment that melted my heart ❤️

The urge to halt, kneel, and let tears flow was undeniable as I ran – all thanks to forgiveness. I was deep into N.T. Wright’s teachings on Jesus, particularly His profound proclamation about forgiveness under God’s sovereignty. As I ran and absorbed his wisdom, I could visualize forgiveness emanating from Jesus – a revelation that resonated deeply within.

In the midst of this, a sense of holiness, reverence, and an overwhelming awareness of God’s boundless love surrounded me. It was almost a struggle to continue running; the desire to kneel and offer profound worship to Jesus was overwhelming. Yet, I pressed on because I was hungry and didn’t want to cause concerns for folks driving by.

Forgiveness, a powerful theme, seemed to emanate from Jesus like a radiant light. It consumed my thoughts, painting a picture on my mental canvas.

“Father, forgive them! They don’t know what they’re doing.”

Even as Jesus was enduring torture, His words echoed with an astounding demonstration of love. Even before this moment, Jesus had been performing healings and forgiving sins (which, in itself, is a profound healing). The message is clear: under God’s rulership, forgiveness stands as a central pillar. Each healing experience involved elements of faith, repentance, and forgiveness.

Enter Luke 7 – where we encounter a woman who showers Jesus with an outpouring of love. Her actions – kissing, weeping, anointing, and gently wiping Jesus’ feet – all speak of a profound love for Him.

Here’s the twist: it wasn’t the weight of her sins that drove her love. It was the revelation of forgiveness that stirred her soul. The understanding that Jesus had forgiven her created a wellspring of love that overflowed. Her act of worship wasn’t rooted in shame over her past, but rather in the transformative power of forgiveness.

What a striking reminder of the immense power of forgiveness – how it propels us to love with unbridled passion.

Now, here’s the compass to guide us: