Feb 04

When you are put in a position by God to be close to him in service to others, do not be surprised if you begin to cry. John 10:35 says that Jesus wept. The woman with the alabaster jar of perfume wept. You, too, may weep. Why?

When we willingly give up all that we have in order to show God's love to others, our spirit becomes very sensitive to God's presence. The jar-woman near Jesus felt this very strongly. She was literally standing next to God. When we are that close to God, the highestlevel of love, we react with our whole being: physically, emotionally,and spiritually.

One of the ways we respond in love physically is with a greeting: a handshake, kiss, or hug. In a number of places, Scripture urges us to greet one another with a holy kiss of love or some other display of affection for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

It is significant that Simon the Pharisee did not greet Jesus in this manner (Luke 7:45). Neither did he honor Jesus by putting oil on his head (v. 46). Jesus told him plainly both of these facts. Notice that both of these are things that Simon did not do. These were sins of omission, not sins of commission, like those of the woman.

A sin of omission is a wrong that is done by not doing something. It is a lack of something. That something it lacks is love. Simon did little because he loved little. The woman did much because she loved much.

Would you like to have a measure of your love for Jesus? Simply ask yourself, How much am I doing for him?

Scripture for today: John 21:15
Thought for today: Sin that is hidden in this world is revealed in the next.
Prayer for today: Lord, make me aware of my sin and also of your forgiveness.

FEB 04