Reflection:
In interviewing 300 people, and asking them about their favourite Bible verses, many of them told me about their ‘go-to’ passages that they read in times of struggle. Yet, other people told me that each day, God is showing them something new and compelling, even in old, familiar passages. For example, my friend Wendy told me that she recently read Luke 7 and it struck her in fresh ways. Jesus went to a Pharisee’s house and was anointed by a sinful woman. The Pharisee grumbled, and so Jesus told them a story about forgiveness. Two people who owed money both had their debts cancelled, and Jesus asked, “Which of them will love him more?” The answer was the one with the bigger debt cancelled. That day, it made Wendy think. Had she previously been someone who felt her debt to God was small? Did she assume therefore that her forgiveness was also small? That day, she realised in a new way the extent of God’s love and forgiveness for her, in her need. She prayed again to be a person who overflows with love, in response. May we all.
Prayer:
Lord, I too, come to you today, needing grace and forgiveness. Please change my heart so that I may be overwhelmed with your forgiveness and love, becoming a person who pours out your love, in response.