God's love for us does not change - God’s love is not conditional. The father of the prodigal could have forsaken his son after he left with his inheritance. When the younger son returned sorrowful for his sin, the father was not waiting to punish him. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him” Jesus used this parable to show that God loves us even when we sin. His love for us does not change. As the father welcomed his son home and showered him with love before he even repented, God our Father welcomes us into his loving arms the same way. Believe this in your heart: you are loved

God Seeks

Read: Luke 15:11-32

"His father saw him and felt compassion." - (Luke 15:20)

There are two swivel chairs by my window. 

I can turn one way to watch TV, or I can turn another way and see the sunset.

James Bryant Smith in his book, The Good and Beautiful God, suggests that we often believe a false narrative about God; we see him as one who sits in a swivel chair. 

He looks at us with love when we obey him. 

But when we disappoint him, he swivels away from us.

This is a false narrative. 

It states that God’s love is conditional depending on our behavior. 

Do you picture God this way?

In our passage today, we see that God’s love is not conditional. 

The father could have forsaken his son after he left with his inheritance. 

But instead, he continued looking for him. 

He didn’t turn his face away like some swivel-chair God. 

When the younger son returned sorrowful for his sin, the father was not waiting to punish him when he saw him. 

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him” - (Luke 15:20). 

God SeeksJesus used this parable to show that God loves us even when we sin.

His love for us does not change. 

As the father welcomed his son home and showered him with love before he even repented, God our Father welcomes us into his loving arms the same way.

Believe this in your heart: you are loved!

— Nancy Boote, from the series You are Truly Loved

Thought to ponder: 

Today's reading includes the image of the father running to welcome the prodigal with love. 

What prevents you from accepting God's open-armed love for you?

Pray about it: 

As you pray, embrace the truth of God’s love for you.

Action to take: 

Spend a few minutes imagining God running toward you with open arms and thank him for his unconditional love. 

Then, as you feel led, share this image of God with someone else who needs a reminder of God's love.

Words of Hope Devotional 

The mission of Words of Hope is to provide people both near and far with daily access to God’s Word. At Words of Hope, we believe that Jesus Christ is the hope of the world. We believe that the Bible reveals God’s truth. We believe that God commissions us to make disciples of all nations. We affirm the Apostles’ Creed.

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