The Parable of the Forgiving Father

I love the three parables of God‘s incredible love for the lost in Luke chapter 15. Verse 20 is such a clear demonstration of God’s compassion and forgiveness toward us who have sinned against Him, “So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.“

This parable of “the prodigal son” as it is typically called, may be better described as the parable of The Forgiving Father” or “The Compassionate Father” or “The Loving Father”.

It’s also noteworthy to see that repentance is the key to reconciliation with the estranged, lost sinner.

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Repent literally means to change your mind. In the Greek it is metanoia. Meta- means change -noia is mind. But in light of “dead faith” in James 2, I like to say that it is a change of mind that results in a change of life. It’s not merely a mental assent without a true heart change.

God receives all who come back to Him with repentant faith. He not only has open arms, but is eager to run to us and embrace us!