“And while he 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.” Luke 15:20 NLT
If you know the story of the prodigal son told by Jesus, after wasting all his inheritance, encountering hard times and finding himself down and out, the son finally comes to his senses and even though battling the knowledge that he’s blown it, and dealing with feelings of shame, guilt and fear, he sets off for home expecting rejection, expecting judgment, expecting nothing more than what he deserves! Jesus then gives this description of the father’s reaction, a picture of what God is really like – full of love, compassion, and grace, with a heart to restore, and to rejoice over the homecoming, from dead to alive, from lost to found! I’m praying for all those today feeling lost, ashamed and afraid to come home. Father, help me to be patient and watchful like You, and to offer that same embrace to any making that courageous turn back to You! Fill me with that same love, compassion and grace for the lost, and that same heart for restoration. Amen 🙏🏼❤️