Show Radical Forgiveness

Reaching Your World with Luis Palau

In His parable about the prodigal son, Jesus describes a rebellious son and a loving father. You can read this amazing, life-changing parable in Luke 15, particularly verses 11 to 24. So, what does the Lord’s parable tell us? First off, the prodigal’s father can’t wait to see his son. Day after day he watches the road, and when his son finally appears the father can’t even wait for him to get to the house – he runs out to meet him. He can’t wait to throw his arms around the young man and hug him. The father can’t wait to bless his son with radical forgiveness. In fact, he interrupts his son, who doesn’t even get to finish apologizing. The prodigal is welcomed, loved, and transformed. In his father’s words, “This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” The father can’t wait to start celebrating. Notice what’s missing in the father’s responses. What’s missing are the harsh words, angry tones, and deep-felt heart damage created when radical forgiveness is nowhere to be seen. Indeed, the Lord’s radical forgiveness of us makes it obvious that you and I can extend instant, full, unconditional mercy and grace to those we know and love who wound or hurt us. Is there someone in your life to whom you can you show the Lord’s radical forgiveness today? This is Andrew Palau.