The Bible says that a person who has been forgiven much loves much–but a person who has been forgiven little loves little. This is why a so-called “good person” may be in greater danger of missing Jesus than someone who has lived an “unsavory” life–who realizes their need for a Savior.

In The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis portrays this idea. In The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Edmund betrays his brother and sisters. He acts so horribly, it’s hard to read. When he’s sacrificially saved by Aslan (the Christ figure in the story), his turnaround is remarkable–to the point of being heroic.

Later, in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Lewis portrays Eustace Scrubb as a miserable, unthankful, contentious brat. He too undergoes a radical transformation through the course of events–and a fateful meeting with the Great Lion.

Edmund’s compassion for Eustace is profound–even though Eustace had treated him horribly. Here’s their conversation:

“What do you think it was, then?” asked Eustace.

“I think you’ve seen Aslan,” said Edmund.

“Aslan!” said Eustace. “I’ve heard that name mentioned several times since we joined the Dawn Treader. And I felt–I don’t know what–I hated it. But I was hating everything then. And by the way, I’d like to apologize. I’m afraid I’ve been pretty beastly.”

“That’s alright,” said Edmund. “Between ourselves, you haven’t been as bad as I was on my first trip to Narnia. You were only an ass, but I was a traitor.”

C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, 91.