LESSONS FROM THE PRODIGAL SON – FORGIVENESS

When we do something wrong, the process of setting things right is not simple and easy. Just by blurting an “apology” or a “sorry” doesn’t make things right. Having said that, *if we are the aggrieved party, we are commanded to forgive the person who grieved us. There are no ifs and buts about this.* The Bible teaches this on forgiveness…
– “21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

The father forgave the Prodigal Son, even before he asked for it. That is why the father was expectantly waiting for his son’s return. The Bible records this so vividly in Luke 15:20-22…
– *”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. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.”

Please observe the choice of words that are used to describe the scene, which accurately reflect the heart of the father…
– “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.”

This is forgiveness at it best. The father is waiting for the Prodigal Son. Why would the father wait? Is the father angry and upset with his wayward son? Is he waiting for the son to return, so that the father could take his anger? The father had already forgiven the prodigal son, and was eagerly waiting for the wayward son’s return.

How about us? Are we hold back on forgiveness? Do we need to forgive someone? It is good we forgive those who have hurt and harmed us. It is not only the right thing to do, but also, it keep us healthy, stress free, and above all, sane and tender-hearted. Therefore, just as the LORD commands us, let us – “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32. Even so the LORD help us.