Scripture to Read: Luke 7:48–50
God always leaves zero doubt in our minds and hearts when we examine His Word and choose to believe Him and His Word wholeheartedly. God had Luke record this in Luke 7:48–50, “Then He said to her, ‘Your sins have been forgiven.’ 49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, ‘Who is this man who even forgives sins?’ 50 And He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’” As we saw in yesterday’s devotion, the woman’s sins had already been forgiven, but Jesus turns to her and tells her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” One of the greatest gifts we have received from God are His words, which are recorded in His Word, the Bible. Just as when you have wronged another person and you ask for their forgiveness, there is no sweeter gift than for them to look at you and say, “You are forgiven.” The healing power in those words, “You are forgiven,” is needed by everyone. Jesus knew the woman needed to hear it from Him, “Your sins are forgiven.” So many Christians today struggle with believing that all of their sins have been forgiven (past, present, and even future sins). God makes this clear in Colossians 1:13–14 and again in Colossians 2:13–14. Christ paid in full the debt of the sins owed by all mankind, for all time. For everyone who is a follower of Christ, we must truly believe that we are forgiven in order to enjoy the fullness of our fellowship with our Lord each day.
Challenge & Application
Why did Jesus turn and tell the woman, “Your sins have been forgiven,” and “Your faith has saved you?”
How has your life changed knowing that your sins have been forgiven and that your faith has saved you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!