Love Much

 On March 5th, I will teach a Starting Point Class; it’s a one-time session for any children asking questions about being a follower of Jesus Christ. It is the next spiritual milestone for a child and a parent to celebrate together after Parent/Child Dedication. There are so many beautiful aspects of this class, but the primary one is that these children hopefully fall in love with Jesus. That’s what it is about. For any of us – to fall madly, deeply in love with our Lord (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 10:37). So, what does love like that look like?

In Luke’s gospel, we read about a woman who loved much because she saw the face of love. Luke describes her as a “woman of the city, who was a sinner” (Luke 7:36). But, as all Christians know, we are all sinners (Romans 3:23); I tell the children – yes, even sweet old granny is a sinner. This woman who made wrong choices sought compassionate, merciful, and unconditional love. She found Jesus (Luke 7:37). What’s beautiful about this story is that the transaction didn’t stop there. This woman, out of the love and acceptance given by her Lord, offered a display of adoration, love, and thankfulness (vv. 44-46). She did not forget the forgiveness she is experiencing (v.47). So, the love she shows in return is much (v.47). Therefore, as Christ—followers, let us not forget the love given to us (1 John 4:9-10) share this love with others – especially the next-generation (Psalm 78:4).

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