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One of my favorite Bible stories is the prodigal son from Luke 15. It illustrates God’s overwhelming, never-ending, precious love for us despite our consistent and repeated rejection of Him as our Father. Instead of looking to scold or “teach a lesson” when we have strayed, God runs to us when we return to Him and embraces us with open arms. His love is unconditional.  

I have a tendency to hold on to sin and not forgive myself unless I have met some conjured criteria I have in my mind to be “good enough.” This story turns that notion on its head and when I get that temptation to feel I must earn grace I think of the image of God not just taking me back after my sins and failures but running toward me with a passion and warm embrace. 

What a savior. What Father. What unconditional love. Thanks be to God. 

Prayer

God, we thank you for your love and compassion for us. We are so quick to think of you as a super disciplinarian in the sky even though the truth is you long to give us your unlimited grace. We pray that your holy spirit will intervene when we are afraid, particularly when we feel shame and guilt after our most recent letdown following pursuit of one the world’s empty promises. Help us remember that your new covenant stands as proof that we have been redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus. Help us to rest in this truth and to trust your promise that you run with open arms to us when we feel we must do something to earn the right to come back to you. In Jesus holy name we pray, Amen.