She Is Strong and Courageous 30-Day DevotionalSample

Refrain from Judgment – Woman Who Anointed Jesus

It’s easy to judge others, but it takes courage to show compassion! Today’s devotional shows the way towards a response of forgiveness and love that can inspire others towards recovery and right living.

“One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.” (Luke 7:36-38).

“Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, ‘Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.’” (Luke 7:44–47).

Pray: Lord, pierce my heart and challenge my life as I meditate on your Word.

Observe: When we see others sin, we must pause and strive for a Christ-like response. 

When considering the sins of others, we are often quick to judge and reluctant to forgive. Yet God’s Word teaches us to pursue the opposite. A Christ-like response to sin is seen throughout the Bible and one such example is the beautiful account of Jesus being anointed. 

While Jesus was in Bethany dining with Simon, an immoral woman came in and anointed his feet with her tears and perfume. While Simon and the disciples were appalled, Jesus lovingly accepted her expression of adoration and respect. Instead of focusing on her sin, Christ honored her courageous behavior by granting her forgiveness. 

Courageously avoid judging others by asking yourself the following questions:

1. Am I willing to be judged in the same way I am judging others (Matthew 7:1–2)? 

2. Am I unwilling to place stumbling blocks in the paths of others (Romans 14:13)? 

3. Am I willing to forgive others so I’ll be forgiven (Matthew 6:13–15)? 

4. Am I willing to show my love for God by being kind and forgiving toward others (Colossians 3:12–13)? 

Interpret: Jesus teaches forgiveness and love, rather than mistreatment and judgment toward sinners. 

Apply: Is there someone you are currently judging? Pray for that person now and determine one way you can encourage him or her today. 

Pray: Father, help me be kind and tenderhearted toward others. Give me the clarity to see past their struggles, wisdom to inspire their recovery, and courage to offer my help.