“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
The story of the prodigal son is one of, if not THE most important lesson Jesus taught. In it, we find excellent examples of the single most harmful element of human behavior – selfishness. And we also find a beneficial element – forgiveness.
When we take an honest look, we can see ourselves in the younger son who left home with his inheritance. Haven’t we selfishly turned a back to “the right thing”, only to find out later that it was “the wrong thing”? Haven’t we had to ask another for forgiveness when we’ve messed up?
We can also see ourselves in the older brother who stayed home and thought of himself as “the good son”. Haven’t we felt some degree of smugness when another made a bad choice, making us look better? Haven’t we felt some jealousy or anger when someone who deserved to be punished didn’t get punished?
And hopefully, we can see ourselves as the father who allowed his young son to take his own path but welcomed him home when it didn’t work out. This father demonstrated the unconditional love that God lavishes upon each of us, and wishes us to lavish upon one another.
Notice in this story that the younger son humbled himself when he returned home. He didn’t expect to return to his former position; he expected to be treated as a servant. We can move toward being forgiven when we humbly approach those we’ve wronged. The younger son didn’t try to blame anyone or lessen the effects of his actions. He knew he’d been wrong and took full responsibility for it. The father didn’t lecture or deride his son for the choices he’d made. But rather welcomed him with open arms and even hosted a celebratory dinner for him. This father demonstrated the kind of love that God shows us – total forgiveness with no strings attached!
God gives us instructions for living in the Bible. He also instructs us through the wisdom of other believers and the Holy Spirit. Many times, we don’t listen to His instruction. We follow our own path, we mess up, we’re selfish! But every time, God welcomes us back with open arms and those beautiful words, “You are forgiven!”
Think about your relationships. Is there anyone you need to ask for forgiveness? Is there anyone you need to forgive? Some hurts run so deep that it seems impossible, but God wants to free you to joyfully serve Him, and He’s ready to help – just ask!
– Susan Meharg, Director of Family Ministries
