#[Luke 7:47]; [Luke 7:37-38]; [Luke 7:44-46] #
Kent asserts that genuine gratitude stems from a profound experience of God's grace. He contrasts a woman, overwhelmed by forgiveness, who extravagantly expresses gratitude towards Jesus, with a Pharisee, Simon, who, due to pride and self-righteousness, fails to recognize his own need for grace and, consequently, shows no gratitude or even basic hospitality. Kent argues that one's experience of grace determines their expression of gratitude, and without recognizing the depth of their own sinfulness and God's unconditional forgiveness, a truly grateful heart cannot develop, stunting spiritual growth and hindering the ability to love, forgive, and experience healing. Ultimately, Kent stresses that only through acknowledging God's unearned favor can one cultivate a heart overflowing with genuine gratitude, impacting relationships, generosity, and forgiveness towards others. He also encourages the audience to come forward to the alter and confess and receive forgiveness, and those who have taken God's grace for granted to come to the alter and give thanks to the Lord.