Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
One of the most challenging things people deal with is forgiveness. Therefore, one of the most difficult things to communicate to them is mercy.
The father had done his eldest son absolutely no wrong. He still had all that had ever been promised him. He still maintained the role of the first born. His father had love for him, respect, and appreciation.
But the eldest was upset with the younger son. Because of his bitterness, he could not see the blessing of his return. He could not understand why his father would celebrate.
Mercy, properly employed, is a picture of our Heavenly Father’s love for men and women. We ought to practice it even when people do not understand it. Indeed, the fact that they come to ask us to explain it may be the best reason to practice it.
Could it be there is someone living in the pig pen of unforgiveness who will finally come home because of our mercy toward others?
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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