January 26, 2016

Love and Forgiveness

Jesus draws a direct correlation to love and forgiveness. Whereas, it is the perception that we are righteous enough on our own is most dangerous. Therefore, it is easy to justify our “little” sins and assume they are minor in the eyes of God.

Typically, we tend to believe that because we only envy a little bit every so often, or perhaps we covet in secrecy, that these transgressions are not important enough to count against us. Consequently, this attitude results in very little devotion for our King and the sacrifice He made to make us righteous.

For Old Testament Israelites, unintentional violations of God’s Laws were taken very seriously. How much greater are our intentional sins, the ones we hide from others? Knowing this, Jesus freely forgives, or forgives entirely without any compensation. Our Lord’s mercy is for those who did not deserve such grace. That is is true love and forgiveness.

Now our whole activity is devoted to God, and our whole life, since we are bent on progress in divine things. –Origen

Luke 7:42

But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that? (NLT)

Read more Daily Exercises.