Dr. Luke tells about the time Jesus had dinner at a religious leader's house.
A woman of questionable reputation makes her way into the gathering and the leader is apalled that Jesus is willing to speak to her (a "sinner").
So Jesus tells the man about two people who owed money to a lender - the one owing only 50 Denarri and the other owing 500 - ten times as much debt.
When the lender released both people from their debt, Jesus asked, which is likely to love that lender more?
The religious leader answered, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt cancelled." Of course.
I have to be honest with you. I've read and heard that parable of Jesus many times.
I always used to picture myself as the person who owed the smaller amount.
"Boy, I'll bet people who had to have 10 times the number of sins forgiven in their lives really appreciate Jesus all the more than me," I reasoned.
Now, I'm older, wiser...and, well, steeped in a whole extra helping of humility.
Every day and year that goes by, I realize how far off the mark I've been from God's ways.
Selfish, jealous, a poor steward of the gifts and blessings given me.
But Jesus forgave me - he released me from the debt.
I'm the one who owed 500 Denarii, not 50...and yet He's forgiven me.
As sorry I am for the ways I've let God down over the years -- I love him all the more to realize He's held out his hand and welcomed me home. And He's helping me to do better.
What do you believe?
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