How can we show love to others as seen in Luke 7:45? Opening the Text “You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived.” (Luke 7:45) What the Kiss Meant in Jesus’ Day • A customary sign of welcome, honor, and friendship • A tangible way to say, “You matter to me” • Failure to give it signaled indifference; offering it extravagantly expressed deep love Translating That Love into Today’s Actions • Warm, sincere greetings—eye contact, a smile, a handshake or hug • Intentional hospitality—invite people in, offer a seat, a meal, your time • Active listening—put phones away, focus on the person, reflect what you hear • Practical service—run an errand, watch children, prepare food, meet real needs • Affectionate words—encouragement, gratitude, verbal honor (Proverbs 25:11) • Sacrificial giving—time, money, skills, energy (1 John 3:18) • Public identification—stand with the overlooked even when others stay silent (Hebrews 13:3) Key Attitudes Behind the Actions • Humility: the woman bowed at Jesus’ feet (Philippians 2:3–4) • Bold gratitude: her love overflowed from forgiven sin (Luke 7:47) • Perseverance: “has not stopped kissing” shows steady devotion (Galatians 6:9) • Honor: she treated Jesus as worthy of costly affection (Romans 12:10) Seeing Jesus in Every Person Matthew 25:40—what we do for “the least of these” we do for Him. Therefore: • Greet each person as you would greet Christ. • Serve the hurting as though washing His feet. • Speak with kindness as though talking to your Savior. Everyday Scenarios • Workplace: arrive a few minutes early to welcome coworkers by name. • Church: look for newcomers, introduce them to others, invite them to lunch. • Neighborhood: bring a meal to the sick, shovel a driveway, lend tools. • Family: end phone calls with words of blessing, not just information. • Public spaces: acknowledge cashiers, waiters, janitors—no one is invisible. Strength to Love We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Drink deeply of His forgiveness, and love will overflow naturally, just as the woman’s kisses flowed from her grateful heart. |
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