Luke 15:20

New International Version

So, he got up and went to his father.

“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.

For Meditation

He took his life into his hands and left home for a distant country. Freedom appealed to his imagination, so he went for it. But the far and greener pastures became a mirage to the young man. He got trapped in wild living and squandered all his wealth. With no friends, help, or sympathy from anywhere, he came to his senses. 

There is no place like home, especially under the authority of a loving father. So why not return and ask for forgiveness? If only you can get over the shame of backpedaling. For there are lots of questions to consider. 

Many have reached this point and froze in their resolve. The shame of failure rings loud in the ears. The accusative looks of people threaten the peace about their decision. But the worst of all is the fear of rejection! However, until the repentant lifts those heavy feet and takes the first step of faith, it will remain a resolution. Thank God the prodigal son moved on his resolve.

Look who is running to meet the young man! His old man! Indeed, the feet of forgiveness are swifter than those of repentance. From afar, the father saw him. He had never let his son go from his heart. With much prayer, he waited for his return home. Isn’t that fatherly?

Jeremiah had it right.  

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentation 3:22-23).

The father drew his son into his warm embrace and planted kisses all over him. It is amazing what love can do. But what about the past rebellion of the son? Did he see the current condition of the son? Coming from the pigpen, he was filthy and smelly. But the father did not care. He embraced them all. They couldn’t separate the son from the love of the father. The father only saw what his son would be under his care again.

So, any time somebody who has offended you craws back to mumble some apology to you, remember the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24). Recall the measure of love and compassion your Father in Heaven lavished on you when He forgave you in Christ. In the same way, see your repentant spouse, child, friend, colleague, or neighbor, and forgive them as well. 

You will be more like your Father in Heaven than at any other time in your life.