A woman who had lived a sinful life

(J.C. Ryle, "Coming Events and Present Duties")

"When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house; she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them." Luke 7:37-38

We can never be too well acquainted with our own sinfulness and vileness. The spring of all humility, thankfulness, grateful love to Christ, and close walk with God — is real, thorough, Scriptural knowledge of the wickedness of our own hearts. The soul that loves much — is the soul that feels its sin-debt is great, and that much has been forgiven. 

"Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven — for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47