On a special day, a Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas, and you receive a beautifully wrapped package; it may thrill you as you anticipate what is inside.

You see a beggar, a homeless person pushing a buggy full of an assortment of bags with their worldly possessions in it. Do you wonder about that person? Do you try to help them? Tell them of a shelter for homeless? Or do you scorn that one because of the condition their life is in at present. Or do you say, " But for the grace of God, go I."

We do not see many such people around here. We did in South Florida. These people were call "bag ladies or men." Some would wait outside of grocery stores, hoping someone would give them some food purchased inside. We have seen or heard of them digging through garbage or dumpsters for food. We also heard stories of some of these poor people: they were educated men and women down on their luck; they once had a beautiful home and a family; they are a retired military person, and on and on.

Our church in South Florida provided transportation for some of these people on Sunday nights and if they would come for the church service, they were fed afterward. Some were even started on a new life.

Look at the PACKAGE. It upsets you, does it not. Such a package upset Simon, a Pharisee. Luke 7: 36-50

One day Jesus was having dinner at Simon's house. In walked a woman who proceeded to wash the Master's feet with her tears and anoint him with expensive ointment. Immediately Simon began to question the validity of Jesus Christ as a prophet. He did not speak it aloud. He thought it (Sometimes we think the wrong thing and it can be just as condemning as speaking it aloud.)

Simon looked at the "package" and saw a sinful woman. He did not know this woman, by her very act, was humbling herself and he could not see she was seeking forgiveness. He did not give her any benefit of a doubt. He condemned her on the spot. He jumped to conclusions. (Are we just as guilty of doing this?)

Jesus answered the thought and said, "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee." And He told Simon a parable of the creditor who forgave two debtors. The one who was forgiven the most loved the most. Simon was rebuked and the woman was forgiven of her sins. Read for yourself this beautiful story.

Next time you see a "package" which may disturb you, pray for that one or assist in someway. Be kind and be thankful for what God has done for you. Remember, the harlot, Rahab; the woman at the well, Mary Magdalene; the woman caught in adultery, and on and on. 1st Samuel 16:7 says "-----for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."