The Prodigal’s Father – Fair & Just Love
Jesus told a story to religious leaders and “sinners” about a prodigal son who asked (and received his inheritance) and squandered it in unrighteous living. The son returned home, asking his father’s forgiveness. His father gave him a welcome home party and the older son was angry.
Let’s consider this father:
When his younger son asked for his inheritance…he did not argue with this son…no tears, no anger, no guilt trips…he still loved his son.
God the Father has given each person free will…it is our choice to repent or not…how saddened He must be when we choose to go our way!
When the repentant younger son returned home, the father welcomed him and threw a party. God the Father does that also…He welcomes all who turn to Him in repentance and choose to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. That is love from the God Who is Love.
How did the father deal with his angry older son, who had not left home and who had worked diligently? This son had been obedient to his father.
He pleaded with his oldest son to join in celebrating the return of his prodigal brother. But the older son was bitter, resentful and angry.
The father reasoned with this older son – everything that the father now had was his and he was receiving the full blessing.
The father had been fair and just in giving the younger son’s inheritance to him when asked. When the younger son returned the father remained fair and just by not giving any of his older son’s inheritance to the younger. That also is love in action.
The prodigal’s father loved both of his sons…and he was fair and just to both of them. God the Father is fair and just toward each person…He loves us that much! It is our choice to repent or not. It is our choice to be faithful or not. God is fair and just…we will reap what we sow.
(NASB) Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”