But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15:32 (NIV)
The account of the Lost Son in Luke 15 contains some of the most powerful and beautiful imagery, to which most of us can relate… Have a read of it…
We all have a past and we've all been on a journey up to this point, and no matter how far we've run or how much metaphorical ‘pig food' we've eaten, our Heavenly Father always welcomes us with open arms. In fact, He runs for us like this account describes.
James 4:8 says when we draw near to God He'll draw near to us. It's like when we make the choice to turn around He runs to us with excitement, joy and love. It's this imagery that defies what secular culture “thinks” of God. Most think He is waiting, with lightning bolt in hand, to punish us or to “smite us” as Bruce Almighty says.
This could not be further from the truth.
Most people's misconception comes from their interaction with humans and NOT with God. That's why it's our responsibility to show people love and understanding… respect the journey they are on.
The Bible says, “it's the goodness (or ‘kindness' in other versions) of God” that leads people to repentance.” Don't judge them, just love them. Just ‘kindness' them.
Imagine the humiliation of getting to the point where you're eating pig food… imagine the self-condemnation! When you're eating pig food, you know it… You know that's it's no gourmet meal, you know you've hit rock bottom. People don't need us to tell them they're in a pit, they need help to get out of it…
Embrace and love people as if they are already redeemed… after all, Jesus did that for all of us when He died on the cross. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8)
Reject the temptation to judge, but rather show compassion to those around you, whoever they are, so they can find the grace of God and get a taste of how much He really loves them… that He runs towards them, not from them. As he does with you.
