Scriptural Reading: Luke 7:36-50

‘‘And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.’’  Ephesians 5:2 (KJV)

Some time ago, late last year 2018, we lost a member of our local assembly. This man was on dialysis for a period of time and the wife was very supportive of her late husband. The wife was a committed fellow in the church and I am sure she was always standing in for her sick husband. She loved her late husband and she did not abandon the man. She was always buying drugs for the husband and she was always taking the man to the hospital regularly. At the funeral service of the late husband, you need to see how this woman cried. We all were at the funeral service. She sacrificed her time for her late husband even in pains. Only true love can do this.

Our scriptural reading where we read from in the book of Luke 7:36-50, Jesus did not look down on the woman who was a sinner. Jesus loves sinners, but He hates sin. The sinner welcomed Jesus and she sacrificed her precious ointment and valuable time to attend to the need of Jesus Christ. This singular act of sacrifice made her sins to be forgiven by Jesus Christ. Jesus cares for all and He gives peace after forgiveness.

God Almighty is a God of peace, love, and forgiveness and He can forgive all manner of sins, no matter the magnitude. He wants us to always love one another, to forgive as many that offend us and He wants us to live selfless lives in other to attend to the need of others and above all, to live at peace with all humankind. With all these,  a conflict would be put at bay.

Do we know that any sinner that comes to Jesus Christ in sincerity and humility would be forgiven of all sins and Jesus would not reject anyone who is a sinner? Here is an anchor scripture we can hold on to and apply on a daily basis. ‘‘All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.’’ John 6:37 (KJV). There are still vacant seats in Heaven.

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me of all my transgressions and wash me with your precious blood and give me a new life. Amen

             Where love dwells, sacrifice is a neighbour and peace becomes a uniting force.

                                                                                                                           - The Writer-

OGBAJIBREDE Onome is an Evangelist and a Devotional Writer who inspires and encourages people to come closer to God. His Devotional has featured on Exploits Christian Magazine. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution and can be contacted via [email protected]