“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
The account of the Lost Son has some of the most powerful imagery of which every single one of us can relate too. We all have a past and we all have been on a journey up to this point BUT 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 imagery that defies what secular culture “thinks” of God. Most think He is waiting, with a lightning bolt in hand, to punish us or to “smite us” as Bruce Almighty says. But this could not be further from the truth. Most of 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! Allow the Spirit of God within you to embrace and love these 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) – Today reject and let die the temptation to judge so that those around you can find the grace of God and get taste of how much He really loves them. Blessing to you all.
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