So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)
When he sees his wayward son in the distance, the father has no idea why he’s coming home. Maybe he wants to show off his “big city” identity to his “country hick” dad. On the other hand, it could be that he wants more money. It would have been natural for the father to be skeptical – to wait and see what his son has to say and how he behaves.
But the father doesn’t do this. Instead, before his son even has the chance to speak, the father hikes up his robe, runs to him, and gives him a big hug and a kiss.
You might think this acceptance might “enable” the son to go on sinning, but I don’t think this is the case. Instead, it gives him the motivation to change – out of a desire to please his father.
When he sees his wayward son in the distance, the father has no idea why he’s coming home. Maybe he wants to show off his “big city” identity to his “country hick” dad. On the other hand, it could be that he wants more money. It would have been natural for the father to be skeptical – to wait and see what his son has to say and how he behaves.
But the father doesn’t do this. Instead, before his son even has the chance to speak, the father hikes up his robe, runs to him, and gives him a big hug and a kiss.
You might think this acceptance might “enable” the son to go on sinning, but I don’t think this is the case. Instead, it gives him the motivation to change – out of a desire to please his father.
When someone sins against you, do you show compassion or condemnation?
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