And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. Luke 15:20-24 ESV
Jesus illustrates the Father’s heart in this parable by telling his followers that the Father ran unashamed to the son, and before the son has a chance to get the words out, the Father embraces him and kisses him.
And then Jesus goes on to die on a cross, not after you cleaned your life up and made better choices, but before. Thousands of years before, in fact. Cause God loves us so much that He hugs and kisses us before we deserve any such affection.
I don’t think it’s all about our worthiness, I’m convinced it’s all about His love for us. His love changes us, transforms us, makes us whole. Not our decisions, His love.
