“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
There’s a special kind of grief reserved for when we mess up. Self doubt and shame creep into our minds after we make a mistake at work, yell at our kids, or when say something hurtful to a loved one (accidental, or not).
The step to return to God after we make these mistakes can feel so shameful and scary, but as we can see by reflecting on one of Jesus’ parables, returning to God is the best step that we can take.
Written by Reclaim Today
Recently, we came across a graphic that stopped us in our tracks. It read,
Religion: “I messed up. My Dad is going to kill me.”
Gospel: “I messed up. I need to call my Dad.”
In Luke 15, Jesus tells a parable that gives us context for understanding the message behind this graphic.
The son in Jesus’ parable had messed up bad. We’re talking…greedily demand an inheritance, waste it on “wild living,” and crawl back home after it all blows up sort of bad.
In his grief and shame, he hoped his father would forgive his betrayal enough to at least let him return home as a hired servant. He never could have anticipated the warm welcome he’d actually receive. The story culminates with the father setting aside his own dignity in order to welcome the son home with open arms, and a heart full of compassion.
Our Heavenly Father has a posture of compassion, too. He is a Father who runs toward his children, in all our mess. He pursues us, unhindered by all the brokenness, guilt and shame that we carry. And with great enthusiasm, he invites us to wear the identity he has for us—as sons and daughters who he sees as blameless through Christ. What good news!
Why It Matters
God is not surprised by your failings. Instead of letting grief and guilt leave you feeling regretful, frustrated, or unloved, turn to the Father in whose eyes you are already fully loved and forgiven!
A simple prayer like this can be all we need to get started connecting with God in our Lent journeys. To follow more of our journey through Lent and check out our other Lent devotions click here!
Original content by Reclaim Today. Reshared with permission.
