Soft Hearts, Warm Hugs

The story of the prodigal son is timeless. I believe we all relate in a differing ways. Some of us were like the son; the one who left home without a backward glance, leaving heartache and pain in their wake. Many of our life lessons were learned the hard way. Looking back, we recognize just how bad our behavior was, and how much we hurt those who loved us.

This story is a wonderful example of  just how much we are loved by our parents. This young man didn't appreciate it at the time he left home, but I am certain he did once he felt his father's arms around him and heard the words of welcome and forgiveness. This act must have softened the young son's heart. The unconditional love expressed by the father must have changed things for the younger man forever. Wouldn't you love to know the rest of the story?

I can only imagine what the next few years were like for this family. Healing between the younger son and his father for sure, but what about the other son? Did his heart eventually soften toward this brother and father? I realize it might take a long time and a lot of work to mend the rift. I want to think that the father's soft heart would rub off and the family would be healed and changed forever.

Our lives do not always have fairy tale endings; and never without pain and hard work. But, the softer the heart, the warmer the hugs.

2 Samuel 11:27-12:13

A Father's Love Luke 15:11-31

Continuing with our theme on God’s love, today’s passage is a familiar one too many. When I was I child I learned it as, “The Prodigal Son.” Since then I have also heard it taught as, “The Loving Father.” It’s a story of a boy who wanted his inheritance early so that he could head out on his own. After squandering what he had he returns to his father, hungry and ashamed, begging to be one of his father’s servants.

If we look at this story understanding that the father represents God’s, what do we find? First, we see that the father allowed his son a choice. He didn’t force his will on his son and deny him his inheritance. When love is forced it is not really love at all. After his son leaves we see another sign of the father’s love. The father waits for his son’s return. He has not written his son off. No, when the son returns we see that the father is the first to see.

Let’s see what our scripture passage says happens next, “And while he (the son) was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him… But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! … We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.”

Not only has the father been watching for his son, but when he sees him he runs to him and he embraced, and kissed him. I just love the father’s final response. He wants to celebrate his sons return. This story is such a wonderful example of how God loves us.

Ready today's passage at Bibegateway Luke 15:11-31