Two parts of the parable of the lady son really stand out to me: 1) the father's love 2) the 2nd son's response.
Luke 15:20
The love of the father is dramatically shown here. First, the father sees the son from a long way off. He doesn't hide, run away, get angry or tap his foot, but he is filled with compassion. Then he RUNS to his son. That would be undignified and is a public display that all around could see. He then throws his arms around his son and kisses him. This is a very dramatic description of love!
"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.
Luke 15:28-31 NIV
Luke 15:28-31 NIV
The son's response is unfortunately very much the way that we often respond to others when they get helped or blessed in a way that we would like to be ourselves.
First there is the comparison. Then comes anger, jealousy and resentment towards the other brother. This of course leads to anger towards the father.
Two things to help keep free from these bad attitudes:
1) don't compare. Focus on the good things God has done for you, the promises of God for you, and the work that God has called you to do.
2) recognize that all God has is yours! God has made us his children and given us his kingdom. We often have a slave mentality that God is a harsh task master. But in reality, God is a loving father who has given us everything!
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