Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Have you ever felt that you have committed a sin so wrong you are beyond God’s forgiveness and grace? Personally, I know how difficult it can be to trust that God truly loves me enough to accept me back despite my sins.
In the “Parable of the Lost Son” (Luke 15:11-32), the younger son realized that when he followed his own path, he could not sustain himself for very long. Eventually, it got so bad that he was starving and destitute. After realizing that no one else would help him, he remembered there was one person who loved him enough to do so—his father.
On his way home, he must have had many worries: Would his father take him back? Did his pride and selfishness ruin their relationship beyond repair?
He could have upheld his pride and continued to live in his impoverished state instead of asking for his father’s help. But instead, he humbled himself and admitted his wrongdoings to his father (Luke 15:19).
When he returned, he must have been baffled at his father’s overwhelming grace. Rather than guilt and shame his son, the father was ecstatic with his return. The father could have easily turned his son away; however, he proved that love and generosity always triumph.
Luke 15:22-24
22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 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.”
This reflects our relationship with our heavenly Father. There are seasons when we stray in our relationship or attempt to do life our way. But when things become messy, we realize our mistake and how much we need him. No matter what, the Father eagerly and joyfully awaits our homecoming.
When we set aside our pride and replace it with humility, God in his overwhelming generosity does not punish or reject us. Rather, he celebrates our return and graciously welcomes us home.
It's an excellent reminder that no matter how far we have strayed or what we have done, our heavenly Father is waiting with open arms for us to come back home.
Questions:
How does pride harm your relationship with God and others?
When was a time when humility restored one of your relationships?
Next Steps:
Read the “Parable of the Lost Son” (Luke 15:11-32). How does this story relate to our relationship with God?
This week, take time to journal and pray about how to humble yourself before God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your amazing grace and boundless love. Although I may fall off the path sometimes, you are so gracious that you still love and accept me, despite my flaws. Help me set aside my pride and humble myself before you in every area of my life. Thanks for being so patient and generous. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
This post was written by Isabelle Billnitzer, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.