THE LOVE THAT LETS YOU GO & THE GRACE THAT BRINGS YOU BACK
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 NIV)
In Luke 15, Scripture tells the story of the prodigal son. A young man in a hurry to claim what he felt entitled to, even though he wasn’t mature enough to handle it. His father, full of love, didn’t beg him to stay or chase him down when he left. Instead, he honored his son’s decision and stepped aside to allow him to experience life in the “real world”. Knowing that true understanding of “Life” could only come through experience and living through the consequences of his choices.
This father wasn’t fearful or anxious because he knew he had raised his son in the way he should go and he trusted that God would honor his word. (Proverbs 22:6)
So the prodigal son took everything. His inheritance, his upbringing, his identity and journeyed far from home. He didn’t want anything to do with his father’s house or his father’s rules. He was ready to see what the world had to offer him; but when he came to himself, when he stepped out of hiding and returned, his father was still right there with open arms, waiting, watching and welcoming him back home.
That’s the heart of God.
Through Jesus, his gift to us, God offers forgiveness and remission of sin. And just like a real parent, when He gives us a gift, he doesn’t expect repayment. He knows we have nothing valuable enough to offer in return. What he desires is our gratitude, our obedience, and our love.
Yes, we may fall short. We may stray, disappoint, disrespect, or even betray him. But God doesn’t discard us. He may correct us, discipline us, show us tough love but he never stops loving us; and when we hit rock bottom, when we reach our breaking point and realize we need him, he’s right there.
So if you’ve done things God didn’t approve of, if you’ve disappointed him, fallen short, or missed the mark…
Let this truth settle in your spirit:
“His anger may endure for a moment, but in His favor is life.” (Psalm 30:5)
You are not too far gone.
You are not beyond grace.
You are loved and the Father is waiting!
#PrayThroughIt
