Saving Faith Is Love in Action

Text: Luke 7:36-50 Theme: A sinful woman was forgiven much because of her faith demonstrated by her actions. Key verses: “Behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner…brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears…and anointed them with fragrant oil.” (v. 37-38) “Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman?…she has washed my feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head…this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in…Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much…'” (v. 44-47) “Then he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.'” (v. 50) What God said to me: Dwayne, talk is cheap. A lot of people think they understand what it takes to be OK with me. Many work their entire lives to try to earn their place in heaven. They talk a good game — even live upright and moral lives. But yet they completely miss the point of true salvation. Salvation has nothing to do with what you deserve or earn for yourselves. This sinful woman had nothing to bring to Jesus that demonstrated her right to salvation. She just knew she needed and loved my Son. She gave all she had, expecting nothing in return but His love. She was sure of two things: She was a great sinner, and He was a great Savior. Her actions displayed her love and adoration and need for Him and His forgiveness. And of course Jesus didn’t disappoint. He countered the negative and doubting comments of the Pharisee and stood up for her saving faith. Dwayne, be careful, lest you also become negative and doubting when you see great sinners fall before me in worship. I see their great faith and throw their sins as far as the east is from the west. What I said to God: Holy and righteous Redeemer, thank You for saving me. Forgive me for those days — those moments — when I forget how much mercy You had to show on me (and continue to show!). Forgive me, also, for ever looking judgmentally on “great sinners” who want and need to come to You. I know that their worship can be more sincere and acceptable than mine — because they come with utterly nothing but love and praise and surrender. Yours is not a bargaining table, not a trading post. I have nothing to trade for my forgiveness and salvation. I have nothing at all on my own. Now may the love that drew me to You as a child grow more fervant in me with every passing day and year.