“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!'” Luke 15:28-30 (NIV)
Restore ruptured relationships. Life is fragile. Relationships are vital. Peace and harmony bring pleasure to God and reflect His nature and character. Maintain a right relationship with God and maintain a right relationship with others. Tend your relationships and prevent the weeds of dysfunction and suspicion from gaining ground.
When the prodigal son returned home after a season of flagrant rebellion and unconscionable self-indulgence, the father responded with open arms and a receptive heart. The father exemplified unconditional love and extended gracious acceptance to the repentant son.
The older brother was enraged. Anger had been simmering and reached the volcanic eruption. The older brother did not bask in the radiance of the prodigal’s return. Instead, he allowed personal anger to expand within and evaporate the potential for celebration. The father sought to interpret the depth of meaning behind the prodigal’s arrival.
- “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'” Luke 15: 31-32 (NIV)
Consider the people God has brought into your life. Measure the relational opportunities along the parade of people God has placed before you. Are there any relationships that are ruptured? Honor God by restoring those ruptured relationships. Life is a gift from God. Value life! Protect life! Choose life!
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Lead Pastor
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