OBSERVATION: I get the impression that this is the crux of the older son's argument to his father: You are rewarding bad behavior. You are condoning all of this prodigal's actions.
That is something to consider. How do I feel about that? Is it true? Do I need to change my thinking on this issue?
In reality, many people have an unspoken or spoken feeling like that of the older son. If someone has been involved in something bad, then we shouldn't 'condone' their behavior. We shouldn't reward them.
The problem is, that contradicts the very definition of grace. Grace is unmerited favor. By it's own definition, if it is merited then it isn't grace. You cannot extend grace without 'rewarding bad behavior.' Isn't that true? That's why some people have a hard time with true grace. "Yes, God, by all means be nice to them, if they deserve it" is the idea.
Of course, there is a very significant intervening event here, and that is repentance. The younger son repented of his misdeeds, and that is all the father needed to accept his son back and extend grace to him. I think it is interesting to not that the older son was unaware of the repentance, nor did he seem to be interested in it. He only heard, "because he has been received back safe and sound." He didn't hear the heart of spirit of words of his return. The father was able to gauge the repentance of his son, not the brother.
APPLICATION: In the same way, I cannot accurately gauge the heart or repentance of someone else -- a brother -- only the Father can do that. The best thing for me to do is trust the Father and join in on the celebration!
- Extend grace to people no matter what their past.
- Leave matters of true repentance to God.
- Join the party! Celebrate spiritual life and redemption!
PRAYER: Father, thank you first of all for accepting me and for your generosity towards me. Give me Your Spirit of grace and forgiveness. Remove the resentment and self-righteous attitudes that keep me from joining the party. Amen.
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