Luke 15:11-24
Jesus continued:
“There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’
So he divided his property between them.
13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.
After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 “When he came to his senses,
he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off,
his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
We know Jesus healed usually immediately. And we know the woman who waited twelve years. We remember the man who was blind his entire life.
What about unconditional love and forgiveness?
The absolute truth is a lot of things are never given an apology.
God Requires this in our relationship with Him.
Mortals are vastly different. More like Jacob and living, coping, surviving his sons' plot to cover up selling Joseph.
God sees far into the heart and He records our lives, by name, before we are born in the Lamb's Book of Life. God gives us Jesus and we are Forgiven!
What about mortals not getting an apology and still being urged "FORGIVE" with enthusiasm. And this can be self-righteous. And almost a "shut up" mentality. And God's challenge to Grow Up and Love more.
I was told to forgive once. I felt ANGRY. And talked with my friend Allen. Allen said, with calm assurance, "You have forgiveness issues. And you have to forgive." I retorted, "You want me to Jump 12 feet up? Straight in the air?" "Yes, He does."
Let me tell you about that. Can't be done.
So see Luke 15. There is something important there.
1. So he divided his property between them.
2. set off for a distant country
3. squandered ~ After he had spent everything
4. I will set out and go back to my father
5. while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled
What do the 5 phrases have in common??? A time to ponder, to reflect, to sort, to heal.
NOT an immediate response.
God is going to make, with prayer and His help, a way to jump to that forgiveness.
God FORGIVES according to 1 Corinthians 13 - IMMEDIATELY - a Sincere Apology.
We should as well. Honestly doing what is within our ability.
"I will set out" - Father God, please forgive me my sins. I Really Need That! I want to forgive the other person. Let me, with the Help You have, in the Love You have for that person - to forgive.
And we just saw God the Father running to us - telling us about - time - is a process before forgiven sinks in (sometimes). Forgiveness in our depths..
1 John 4:19
We love because he first loved us.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 19We love, because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.
Jesus waited for James, Joses, Jude and Simon to understand. God is Good. HE is the one Good one. He will allow time for the process. And love in the duration.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you
Father God,
the son of man you have raised up for yourself.
Then we will not turn away from you;
revive us, and we will call on your name.
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved. Amen!
♔ Lord Jesus Saves †
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