Friday Reflection May 22, 2020 Forgiveness & Compassion

*Friday Reflection*
*May 22, 2020*
*Forgiveness & Compassion*

So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.
*Luke 15:20 NRSV*
https://bible.com/bible/2016/luk.15.20.NRSV

Good morning Brothers and Sisters, blessed Friday to you all, I trust you are keeping safe and well.
Today’s reflection takes us to the gospel of St. Luke chapter 15 , our verse for reflection is verse number twenty. (Read verse)

*Background:* The chapter holds the parables of the lost sheep, and the piece of silver. (1-10) The prodigal son, his wickedness and distress. (11-16) His repentance and pardon. (17-24) The elder brother offended. (25-32). For the purpose of today’s reflection we are looking solely at *the prodigal son’s pardon*. Most, if not all of us are familiar with this parable. If you are not, I invite you to read the chapter in it’s entirety.

*Application:* There are three things I want us to take away from today’s word:

1. *Being convicted of our own sin / wrong doing is of great importance:* Having considered how ungrateful he was, he moved to the action that led to his return to his father. The verse says ” so he sets off and went to his father”. The realization of our own sin and wrong doing will bring about conviction in our hearts and we MUST return to our father (God) and seek pardon. Need I remind us that *repentance require action*.

2. *A father knows and recognize his children from a distance:* The verse indicates that “while he was still afar off his father saw him”. It doesn’t matter how long you have left him, it doesn’t matter how far you have stayed, once you return to him, he can see you from a distance, he will remember you, your height & weight, your smell, your intentions and your heart. Our father knows his children!

3. *A father has compassion towards his children:* This perhaps is my favorite part of the verse. “His father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.”
His father could have seen him and allow him to reach up to him, however so overwhelmed with joy, love, forgiveness and compassion towards his son, the father met him on the way. So it is with our Father, he sees our intentions to return to him and meets us on our journey. Showering us with forgiveness and compassion, not that we deserve it, but because of His loving kindness and tender mercies.

*Prayer:* Lord , we give you thanks for your forgiveness and compassion towards us. It is not that we are good and faithful children, but it’s is only because of our conviction of sin and our willingness to return to you, our father. We pray that you will continue to love us, as we continue to walk in your love and compassion. In Jesus name, amen!.

Until next week, think on these things!
Blessings!
Shaneka Raymore Euphfa