The Perfect Father
““Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the servants to him, and asked what was going on. He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.’ But he was angry, and would not go in. Therefore his father came out, and begged him.” (Luke 15:25-28 WEB)
Isn’t it amazing that the father came out to beg the older son?
He didn’t have to. He could have punished him for disobeying, but this is not what the father is like.
The father represents Abba God.
When we go astray and don’t reflect His heart of grace, when we are petty and judgmental, He still lovingly and patiently comes to where we are and entreats us to join Him where He is.
““He said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’” (Luke 15:31-32 WEB)
Abba God reminds us who we are: beloved sons of God. We are always with Him and all that belongs to Him is also ours.
When we are secure in our identity, we won’t be jealous of others. We will also find it easier to be like Him in how we lead our lives.
This transformation happens by receiving revelation—not by being threatened or rebuked.
If there are still character flaws that you hate about yourself, just know that God will release revelations that help you ascend to His level.
He comes down to where you are to gently bring you higher!
Understand all of Jesus’ parables in the four gospels, and much more, in “Understand the Four Gospels Through the Lens of Grace”:
https://bit.ly/understandeveryparable