Definition: Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 7:47. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about forgiveness and love. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that even though the person who committed sins has many offenses (she has many wrongs), God doesn’t forgive them completely. However, she loved deeply – a lot – which means she also loves less. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Wherefore I say unto thee…” : This is Jesus speaking and setting the stage for what follows. He’s explaining something important. “…Her sins, which are many…” : Jesus recognizes that this woman has committed numerous offenses – she was probably engaging in something considered sinful by Jewish law at the time. “are forgiven; for she loved much:” : This is the core of the verse. It acknowledges that God does forgive her because she loved deeply. “Loved much” means she had a strong affection or care for others – perhaps this was a significant part of her life. “but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little.” : This is the crucial and slightly surprising part. It’s saying that because she loved so much, she doesn't love as much as she used to. It's a bit like saying, "A generous person often feels less generous than they did before." What does this mean practically? This verse is a powerful illustration of God’s mercy and forgiveness. It suggests that while we all make mistakes, God’s love for us is unconditional. Even when someone truly loves deeply, it doesn't necessarily translate into a complete lack of love or compassion. Why is this important? This verse highlights the difference between genuine love and simply having affection. It speaks to the idea that true love involves a willingness to forgive and let go of past hurts. It’s a reminder that God's forgiveness is often about allowing us to move forward, rather than instantly erasing our mistakes. In short: Jesus says that even though she committed many sins, he forgives her because she loved deeply – and this love, in turn, diminishes her capacity for further loving. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give a different example of how this concept applies to real-life situations?