Theme: The Father Came Running

Verse: Luke 15: 11-32

Family is important. It is the one relationship we don’t get to choose. Instead, we are born into it. (I’m sorry, Beth, there is nothing you can do about it. You are stuck with me!)

The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 teaches a lot about relationships. For me, the primary message is, “Always Be There!”

For those not familiar with the parable, it is the story of a wealthy man with two sons. The younger one asks for his inheritance early, squanders it, then must return to his father in shame. Instead of holding his son in contempt, the father welcomed him back with open arms celebrating his return.

For me, the important lesson is what happened with the older son. He was initially upset that his brother that had done all the “wrong” things was treated to a hero’s welcome, while the older brother, who did everything “right,” seemingly got no credit for his goodness. When challenged the father explained to his older son, “You are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.”

My takeaway is that love is one thing that has no limits. Just because you demonstrate love to someone, does not mean you have to love others less. It is not held in a finite container. In fact, many would contend that the more you love others, the greater your capacity to love becomes.

So, let’s experiment! The challenge as we enter the season where families will get together, look for opportunities to express your love to others in abundance and see where it leads.

Have a great week!

Adapted from They Will Run and Not Grow Weary by David Alan Black