The father of the Prodigal Son reacted to his return home in a way that truly represented God’s love for us, “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.” (Luke 15:20)

     If we have family members who have lost their way, have sinned against us and against God, it hurts deeply, but when we love them, it far exceeds the severity of the sin, and we would like nothing more than for them to return to us and make a new beginning.  That is exactly the way God is with each of us.  When we stray from God, it is a big disappointment, but when we repent of our sins, God makes all things right and our relationship is restored.  God is good!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for loving us so much.  Search the hearts of those who have gone astray, because you welcome them back with open arms, and so do we.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.