THE WAY HOME

There's an interesting story in the Bible about two brothers.  The younger one rebelled, took what he could from the father, and left home to waste it all on wine, women, and who knows what else!   What a BAD BOY was he!!! The older brother, however,  remained home and took care of his duties and responsibilities--always obeying his father.  What a GOOD BOY he was!!!

The younger son soon ran out of money--became homeless and the only job this Jewish boy could find was to work for a pig farmer!  He finally realized it'd be better for him to return home, ask his father's forgiveness, and hope he could at least reside there and work as a servant for his father.

What a surprise when he returned!  His father rejoiced, wrapped his arms around him, threw him a big party, placed a ring on his finger and a robe on his back.  BUT, the older brother REFUSED to FORGIVE his brother or accept him back into the household.

I don't believe we can truly LOVE if we can't truly FORGIVE.  Love doesn't excuse or ignore sin.  It doesn't accept bad behavior.  However, LOVE loves the sinner.  In "The Lord's Prayer" we are to ask, "forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass against us." 

Once the younger son repented and asked forgiveness, he and his father restored their broken relationship and reconnected.  But the elder son refused to forgive or enter in to a relationship with his father or his brother.

So many go to church faithfully--and try to follow all the rules--but they are nothing more than modern-day Pharisees!  They obey The Law, participate in the rituals, give their $$$ to charities, and do countless "good deeds" daily.  Yet--they never "enter into" a personal relationship with The Father.  The one who really LOST (in the end) was the elder brother.   He, too, needed to repent for his sin of unforgiveness and enter in to a right relationship with his father and his brother.

Where are you today?  Are you lost...have you gone astray?  If so, turn around and go the right way back to The Father and let Him wrap His arms around you.  Just receive His love and forgiveness.