Son, I want to tell you the real lesson of the prodigal son today. Many people want to judge the wayward son for his failures. Yes, he did fail and squandered all that his father entrusted to him. However, the father expressed the same attitude I would have had. I rejoice more over his return than needing to condemn him for his failure. He was learning what it means to be a son for the first time. He felt my unconditional love. The other son lived more like an orphan than the wayward son. He defined his relationship by his performance, not by his relationship to his father as a son. He felt entitled, so he was bitter when his brother returned. Pride can make my sons view life through a skewed lens. Remember, I have called you to live as my son, not my slave to performance. As a son, you are free to fail or succeed. In either case, my love is the same.
But the father said to his servants, “Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.” Luke 15:22
