Love Can Recognize a Moment Others Misjudge

“Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.”

Matthew 26:6-13 KJV

The observers saw an expensive substance being used in a way they considered wasteful. Jesus understood the act in relation to His approaching death. Their calculation missed the significance of the Person and the moment before them.

Read the passage carefully

This passage is not permission to dismiss care for the poor or excuse every extravagant religious purchase. Jesus' words belong to a unique act connected with His burial. Scripture repeatedly commands generosity toward those in need. We should let the particular meaning of this event stand without using it to protect spending that serves our own pride.

There are still occasions when love gives something whose value cannot be reduced to a quick practical calculation. Time spent beside a dying person, a carefully prepared visit, or a thoughtful expression of gratitude may seem inefficient to someone watching from a distance. Consider the purpose before criticizing. At the same time, handle shared resources responsibly and avoid making another person bear the cost of your chosen gesture without their agreement.