“We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19 NKJV).
We’re all the same. We need love.
In Luke’s gospel Jesus taught God’s unconditional love in the parable of the ‘lost son.' The younger of the two sons journeyed to a far country and wasted his possessions with prodigal living “But when he came to himself he said…I will arise and go to my father and say, I have sinned…and no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:17-19 NKJV).
Picture in your mind’s eye the Father watching and waiting every day for his son’s return. Each morning He looked over the horizon hoping to get a glimpse of His precious child. One glorious afternoon he saw his beloved a ‘great’ way off and began running toward him, filled with compassionate love, fell on his neck and kissed him (Luke 20:24).
We’re all the same, we need love; the prodigal son craved love. Even though undeserving, He received over-flowing and unbounded forgiveness.
The loving Father dreamed of this wonderful day and gave a most lavish and generous welcome-home party: the best robe to wear, a ring on his hand, sandals on his feet and a fatted calf killed in his honor with music and dancing.
The prodigal was overwhelmed with unconditional, passionate and pure love “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1 NKJV)
God’s love doesn’t depend upon our worthiness. He loves because that’s who He is, not who we are. He is Love. This love infinitely transcends all the love that comes to us from other sources: mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses, lovers etc.,
There is ‘good news and great hope’ for all slop-bucket wanderers’ including myself!
Our Father waits with open arms. When we come to our senses and realize we can’t make it on our own, He takes us back. As our strength and self-sufficiency fails, His power grows mighty within us. Meet you in glory!
