Luke Establishing The KingdomSample

Embracing the Repentant with God

God is the epitome of a good father, so it is difficult to grasp why anyone would walk away from such a loving God. But the fact of the matter is that many people do, and later, when they come to their senses, they decide to come back to the family of God. 

Sadly, the church is very often not ready for their return. Just like the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, we too can be judgmental, unforgiving, always bringing up the individual’s past, or continually using the errors of this individual as examples of what good people ought not do. As believers, do we know how to truly love and embrace those who turn back to God with a humble spirit? Or do we conduct ourselves as the older brother did, and say in a jealous and selfish tone, “For years I have worked for you like a slave.... But you have never even given me a little goat... now that he has come home, you ordered the best calf...” (vv. 29, 30 CEV).

Are we ready to lovingly receive those who repent of their sin and return to the family of God? Can we be equally gracious to the offender if the offense is against us? In the face of God’s amazing grace, may God help us to understand that we are all God’s precious children and that his love and kindness is sufficient for all of us. 

Reflect

Are there ways in which you can help someone restore their broken relationship with God? Can you be forgiving and let their past mistakes be forgotten? 

Pray

Dear Lord, give us a willing heart and the courage to embrace those who wish to restore their relationship with you. 

Respond 

Ask God to help you be a true disciple of Jesus Christ, who has the heart to embrace those who seek a renewed relationship with God. 

Heavenly Father, help your church be a healing agent and not a stumbling block in the lives of those who seek restoration.