Talk About

But he refused. Instead, he (went off) and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. Matthew 18:30

The other day I read the definition of entitled which is; believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment. I’m sure we can all picture someone in our minds who we think feels entitled, but the truth is that someone is often ourselves.

After several weeks of waiting for plumbers, electricians, and a phone repairman to show up between the hours of 8 am – 5 pm, I was not in a godly state of mind when I received a call that an online delivery we had been waiting for, for three weeks would be further delayed.

Sadly I took out my frustrations on the innocent customer service agent who had the unfortunate luck of taking my call. Even while I (went off) on him as I was voicing my frustrations I could hear the Holy Spirit prompting me to be patient, be calm, and respond with kindness. Instead, I vented. I felt that I deserved answers and that “my time” had been repeatedly wasted waiting for services to be rendered. Talk about feeling entitled.

Thankfully the next morning I began a new bible study and the first chapter was on forgiveness. The study started with the parable of the wicked unforgiving servant found in Matthew 18: 21-35 and the words, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?” Talk about conviction.

I was that wicked servant. How many times have I fallen short of what the Lord has called me to do? How many times has the Lord waited for me to be obedient? How many times have I failed? Yet the Lord has repeatedly forgiven me, been patient, and calm, and shown me kindness and grace that I didn’t deserve. Talk about mercy.

The bible study ended with a passage about the woman who loved much because she had been forgiven much found in Luke 7:41-50. I want to be that woman. A woman who remembers the depths from which Christ rescued her. A woman who remembers the joy of feeling the weight of her sins removed. A woman who doesn’t deserve, nor who is entitled to such grace, but who is eternally grateful. Grateful enough to extend that same kind of patience, love, and understanding to others. Talk about redemption and a new life in Christ.

Lord, thank you for your correction in such a bold and clear way. Please forgive my attitude of entitlement. Help me to forgive as I have been forgiven. Help me to respond in kindness and to heed the promptings of Your Holy Spirit. Help me to be a woman who loves much. In Jesus’ name, amen.