LESSONS FROM THE PRODIGAL SON – RECONCILIATION

Reconciliation is a beautiful thing. However, it is not the same as forgiveness. Forgiveness is obeying the command of the LORD to forgive all who hurt and harm us – Like 6:27-36; 6:37; Matthew 18:21-22; Colossians 3:13. Forgiveness is automatic and unasked. The father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, forgave the wayward son, even before he asked for it. The nature of forgiveness, as the Word of God records is such. John 3:16 is a very fine example in the act of forgiveness.

However, reconciliation can happen only when there is repentance from the one who had done wrong. If both the parties have done some wrong, then both have to genuinely repent, and seek reconciliation. Reconciliation is intentional and visible for all to see.

The Prodigal Son when he REALISED his wrong and his sin, he truly REPENTED of it. Then he DECIDED to RETURN back to his father, with a clear intention and genuine humility, to seek the forgiveness of his father. His realisation of what he had done, has such clear bearing on his approach and his intentions. The prodigal wanted to return to his father, not as a son, for he understood that, he had squandered that privilege, but as a servant…and the prodigal truly meant everything. Such honesty and integrity are a prerequisite for a true and genuine reconciliation.

The Bible records the process of reconciliation is such clear and unambiguous words…
– “17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” 20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” – Luke 15:17-20

Genuine, honest, transparent, clear, definite and visible steps are required for reconciliation.  The steps begin with Realisation, Repentance and Returning back to seek forgiveness. These are the critical steps for reconciliation. We see all this in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Reconciliation would not have been possible, even though the prodigal son genuinely repented of his sin, but would not want to return back to his father, out of deep shame, and a lack of courage to face his father. Or, for a million other reasons.

How are we handling our conflicts? How are we willing to address our problems? What about forgiveness? What about reconciliation? Unless we approach and address them honestly – the two sides or the parties – there cannot be a meaningful reconciliation. If the process of reconciliation is not firmly founded on love, forgiveness, truthfulness, honesty, integrity and transparency, it will fail, and will fall apart, pretty soon. We will end up in a far worse situation, than when we first begun.

May the LORD help us to be peacemakers and reconciliators in the true biblical sense. Even so the LORD help us.