“Yes, what is it? Someone’s coming!” When a father sees his son approaching from a distance, he immediately runs to meet him with open arms. Even before his son can offer an apology, he embraces and kisses him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son!”
His son honestly confesses that he has abandoned and hurt his father. This is what repentance looks like.
That his son looks neglected, dirty and stinks is secondary to the father. He rejoices wholeheartedly in his child’s return and commands his servants, “Bring the best festive robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet.”
Instead of holding things against him, the father showers the son with expressions of his love.
Because God loves you so much, he welcomes you just as much with open arms! No matter what happened in the past, no matter how much dirt you have accumulated. He loves you just the way you are!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Relevant Scripture: Luke 15,11-32
