Generously Grateful

One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Luke 7:36-38 ESV

A recognition of who Jesus is and what He’s done, will inspire worship as the only reasonable response. 

Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” Luke 7:39 ESV

And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” Luke 7:40 ESV

A lack of appreciation for the presence of God will leave you religious without relationship! 

There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more. And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” Luke 7:41-43 NKJV

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14 NLT

Piety without humility leads to a life of self-defeating arrogance and pride.

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. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 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.” Luke 7:44-47 NKJV

We should be unconcerned about saving face in order to give full attention to seeking His face. 

Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?” And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:48-50 NLT 

Generous gratitude is evidence of and a step on the journey to true repentance and restoration!

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were given and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only two cents. Mark 12:41-42 NIV 

If everyone gives what they’ve got to God, the family will always have all it needs.

Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford, she gave her all.” Mark 12:43-44 MSG

Our relationship with Jesus should be about what we can give, not what we can get!

Gratefully giving and living everything you are and have to God isn’t a waste, it’s worship.

I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed. Matthew 26:13 NLT