“‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:21-24)

     In this parable, the son is remorseful and repents of his sins.  Instead of getting punishment, the father extends an incredible amount of grace and throws a celebration in honor of his son.

     When we sin, God not only withholds from us the anger we deserve, he showers us with the grace we don’t deserve.  Like the younger son in this parable, we were spared punishment and given grace.  As we look back at being “restored,” we can give thanks and consider how awesome God is because of his unfailing love for us.  It can give us an great amount of joy, because we understand our Lord even more, knowing that he wants us to prosper in our faith.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the grace you extend to us.  Help us to fully realize the joy we can know when we serve you, and you only.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.