The Gift of Forgiveness

February 3rd, 2025

SCRIPTURE: “Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, ‘This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.’ 40 And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ So he said, ‘Teacher, say it.’ 41 ‘There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?’
43 Simon answered and said, ‘I suppose the one whom he forgave more.’ And He said to him, ‘You have rightly judged.’ 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.’ 48 Then He said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, ‘Who is this who even forgives sins?’ 50 Then He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.’” Luke 7:36-50

All of us were born with a spiritual debt,
Whether sinners of the spirit or sinners of the flesh.

One practices sin on the outward and the other on the inward,
However, the worst of sinners can be saved, because the Lord will forgive them.

Let’s rejoice because every sinner is a candidate to be forgiven,
Jesus Christ is the only factor that makes the official difference.

His choice to forgive us is a gift of grace,
The only way it can be received is through our faith.

There is no chance of self-righteousness, condemning others, and greed for prestige,
Forgiveness is governed by the Lord, so it’s not determined by how the world sees.

Let’s be clear, every sin will be accounted for,
Sins of words, sins of actions, and sins of thoughts.

Repentance, remorse, nor love are the revealing forgiveness factors,
None of them can save us, but each can reset and change our actions.

Meanwhile, the hidden sinner neglects Christ, and the open sinner rejects,
The Lord draws to the heart that shows Him gratitude, honor, and respect.

Still, sins are plentiful, yet sins are forgiven,
We needed a Savior that’s suitable to solidify righteous living.

So, Jesus was given to us in love as the divine qualifier,
It required Him to remain just, and still remain the justifier.

The Lord knew we could not fulfill our sin debt,
Salvation is free, but it’s not cheap to become His chosen elect.

Now, as we go before the Lord, forgiveness is certain,
There is no doubt of His grace despite we are unworthy.

So, as we praise and worship, it’s beyond emotions in His presence,
The real praise is happening with the angels celebrating in heaven.

After all, forgiveness provokes a change in life,
We purpose to live from the inside out through His Holy might.

Nothing can sway us from the certainty of the Lord’s forgiveness,
It inspires us to be faithful as His followers, servers, and worshippers.

It reminds us that Jesus forgives sinners, and forgiveness frees sinners,
A new love, freedom, and peace is created for the saints to be delivered.

Thank you, Jesus, for commanding us to be at peace, to go,
We are without a doubt saved simply because You have said so.

PRAYER: Thank You Father for the much-needed gift of forgiveness. It’s our hope and motivation to serve, You. You are worthy to be praised in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
By Bro. Glenny Z. Moore – Inspired by Pastor Cockrell sermon, "Forgiven People Are Thankful"