They say unforgiveness is like taking poison and hoping it hurts someone else. The older I have become, the more I have become aware how many people deal with unforgiveness. The good news is Jesus came to set the captives free. He can also set you free today! The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:13, For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. [1] You may not be able to forgive, but as we ask the Lord in prayer, He gives us the strength to do something we could not do on our own.
In our story, the lost Son humbly returns after he has squandered all of his father’s money. What would his father do when he saw him? We pick up our story in Luke 15:20-23.“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast.[2]
The father was filled with love, compassion and forgiveness. The lost son was welcomed back to the family. The father was not filled with bitterness and unforgiveness. The chains that could have entangled the father were broken, and they were broken by forgiveness.
Forgiveness is life changing and that is why Jesus died for our sins on the cross. No matter what I have done, I can go to our heavenly Father and ask to be forgiven. I will not be turned away or looked down upon. The parable of the Lost Son is a picture of who our heavenly Father is. When we approach Him to ask for forgiveness, He gives us His love and compassion.
Is there something you need to forgive? Do you need forgiveness? Ask your heavenly Father, He is waiting with open arms to loving receive you. Take the brave step and approach your Father because He wants to free you of the burden of your sin.
The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:7-8, He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.[3]
To hear a conversation about the Parable of the Lost Son, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-the-divine-intruder/the-character-of-the-divine-intruder
[1, 2, 3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Php 4:13, Luke 15:20-23, Eph. 2:7-8). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.