"THY SINS ARE FORGIVEN." These words from God the Son were as the sweetest music in the ears of the one forgiven. The woman from the city had been a great sinner; convinced of her sin, she sought the Saviour; seeking pardon, she found mercy. Deeply affected with the love of Christ and the manner in which He displayed it, her soul responded with love to Him in return. She not only loved Him, but she loved Him much: and therefore she could endure scorn, contempt, and persecution, in order to enjoy His presence and listen to His word. With love overflowing she brought the alabaster box of precious ointment, washed His feet with her tears, wiped them with the hair of her head, and anointed them with the ointment. Here is an example for us; we also are great sinners, Jesus has kindly received us and pardoned our sins; His love to us is as great as it was to this woman, but is our love to Him equal to hers? I fear not. But why? Because our conviction of sin is not as deep, our feeling of unworthiness not as strong, our apprehension of danger not as real, and our sense of pardoning mercy not as heartfelt. We must direct our prayers to Jesus, and ask for the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. Then we too shall love Him much.

For Meditation:
For love like thine, O God of heav'n,
What grateful honours shall we show?
Where much transgression is forgiv'n,
Let love in equal ardour flow.