As incredible as the journey of the Prodigal Son was, the story of his father is pretty amazing too. He was hurt and betrayed by his youngest son. He watched as this son squandered his inheritance--an inheritance the father had worked hard all his life to provide for his children. And after all this, the young prodigal decided to come back home. Let's see how the father responded.
What Does God Say
What Does God Say
"And he [the son] arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20, ESV).
Instead of a stern lecture, instead of a cold shoulder, the father gives his son a warm embrace. Instead of closing the doors, he opened his arms and showed his son that he never stopped loving him.
That's compassion at work. Compassion is that deep love we feel for others that stirs in our hearts. We see Jesus moved by compassion several times in the Gospels (See Matthew 9:36; Matthew 20:34). And every time Jesus acted out of compassion, lives were changed as a result.
My Thoughts
As you read Luke 15:20-24 think about the following questions:
How hard is it for you to show compassion for someone who has hurt you?
Is it possible to have compassion for someone without having love for him or her?
3. How can you foster love for others?
Instead of a stern lecture, instead of a cold shoulder, the father gives his son a warm embrace. Instead of closing the doors, he opened his arms and showed his son that he never stopped loving him.
That's compassion at work. Compassion is that deep love we feel for others that stirs in our hearts. We see Jesus moved by compassion several times in the Gospels (See Matthew 9:36; Matthew 20:34). And every time Jesus acted out of compassion, lives were changed as a result.
My Thoughts
As you read Luke 15:20-24 think about the following questions:
How hard is it for you to show compassion for someone who has hurt you?
Is it possible to have compassion for someone without having love for him or her?
3. How can you foster love for others?
My Part
I think the most striking thing about the father's compassion in the Parable of the Prodigal Son is that it's so unexpected. When someone offers a compassionate embrace rather than a stinging rebuke, it always catches us off guard--especially when that rebuke has been earned. Ask God to give you opportunities to practice compassion and grow your love today.
Source of Article/The Bible Minute
I think the most striking thing about the father's compassion in the Parable of the Prodigal Son is that it's so unexpected. When someone offers a compassionate embrace rather than a stinging rebuke, it always catches us off guard--especially when that rebuke has been earned. Ask God to give you opportunities to practice compassion and grow your love today.
Source of Article/The Bible Minute
