Forgiveness Without Limits: The Parable in Luke 7:41

In Luke 7:41–43, Jesus tells a simple yet powerful parable:

“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now, which of them will love him more?”

Simon the Pharisee answers, “The one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” And Jesus affirms his response.

This short story carries a life-changing truth: no matter the size of your “debt,” God’s grace covers it all.

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For the One Who Feels Too Far Gone

So many people believe they’ve gone too far to be forgiven. Maybe it’s mistakes that feel too heavy, choices that left scars, or years of running from God. The enemy loves to whisper, “You’re beyond saving.” But this parable dismantles that lie.

Neither debtor in the story could repay what was owed. Both were equally powerless. And yet, the moneylender forgave them completely. In the same way, whether our sins feel “small” or “massive,” forgiveness isn’t based on our ability to fix ourselves—it’s based on the mercy of God.

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Love Flows From Forgiveness

The one who recognizes the weight of their debt also recognizes the depth of their forgiveness. That’s why Jesus explains that those who have been forgiven much often love much. When you realize that Jesus canceled a debt you could never pay, love and gratitude naturally overflow.

This isn’t a message of shame—it’s a message of freedom. The deeper the pit we’ve been in, the more clearly we can see the power of God’s grace to lift us out.

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It’s Never Too Late

The woman in Luke 7, the context of this parable, was known in her town as a “sinner.” She wept at Jesus’ feet, anointed them with perfume, and wiped them with her hair. While others judged her past, Jesus declared her forgiven and at peace.

Her story reminds us: it doesn’t matter what others think, how long you’ve wandered, or what you’ve done. Jesus’ arms are still open. Forgiveness is not rationed. His mercy is new every morning.

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A Call to Believe Again

If you’ve ever thought, “God can’t forgive me,” this parable was written for you. You are not too far gone. The cross was enough—for every debt, every mistake, every sin.

All that’s left is to receive it. And once you do, let love pour out of your life the way it did from the woman at Jesus’ feet.

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✨ Remember this: No matter your past, it’s never too late to turn to God. His grace is greater, His forgiveness is complete, and His love is without end.