Actions Speak Louder Than Attendance

By Miguel Reyes

Director of Student Ministry

I have been part of this church since 2006. I was nine years old at the time, and for many years I attended regularly — present in a seat, yet still trying to understand who Jesus truly was. I listened, observed, and stayed near Jesus, but remained distant in understanding.

I was what many would call a “Christmas and Easter” attendee, with occasional Sundays in between. I was close to Jesus in proximity, but not in perception.

Everything changed when I encountered the story in Luke 7:36-50.

Jesus entered the house of a Pharisee and reclined at the table. A woman in the city who was a sinner brought an alabaster vial of perfume; standing behind Him at His feet, she wept, wet His feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed His feet, and anointed them.

Seeing this, the Pharisee questioned whether Jesus was truly a prophet. Jesus said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you,” and told a parable of two debtors—one forgiven much, the other little—asking which would love more. Simon answered, “The one whom he forgave more,” and Jesus said, “You have judged correctly.”

Turning to the woman, Jesus said, “I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, no kiss, and no oil, but she has not ceased to show love and honor. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven… Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Those at the table began to say, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?”

As I read this passage, I began to recognize myself in the Pharisee. I had been near Jesus, yet had missed Him for who He truly is. In contrast, I saw myself challenged by the woman in the story — her alabaster flask, her tears, her worship, and her love. She understood who Jesus was and what He had come to do: to forgive sins.

Because she grasped the depth of what had been done for her, she responded with wholehearted devotion and generosity.

In the same way, we will never fully understand the call to generosity until we first understand our need for forgiveness. How we give — our time, our resources, our service, and our love — reveals where our hearts truly are. This passage invites us to look inward and ask an honest question: Do I truly understand how much I have been forgiven?

And does my life reflect that understanding through love and generosity toward others?

Something to Pray
“Lord, help me to fully understand Your forgiveness of my sins. Shape my heart to love others as I have been loved, and to live generously with all that I have, for Your glory. Amen.”



Something to Do
Today, intentionally show love to someone by taking action.
• Speak encouragement to someone who needs it.
• Bless someone with a tangible gift.
• Offer appropriate physical affirmation — a hug, handshake, or high five.
• Give intentional time to someone who needs to be checked on.
• Serve someone in a practical way.