Bible Reading: Luke 15:11-32
You’ve probably heard the story that Jesus told about The Prodigal Son. This young man asked for his inheritance, foolishly spent it all, then came crawling back home filled with
the shame of having disgraced himself. Surprisingly (at least to us) his father welcomed him with open arms, rejoicing at his return.
The young man’s brother, however, resented this young man’s return. He resented the joy and celebration that greeted his brother, he “became angry and refused to go in…” (verse 28a). All the older brother could see was his younger brother’s past foolish mistakes. He refused to see the change in his brother. He refused to be glad that his brother had “wised up” and admitted that he’d been a fool and was willing to start over.
Do you resent other Christians who seem to have it better than you or who God seems to bless in spite of what you know them to have been like before they became a Christian? Have you blinded yourself to the change in their lives?
OR…
Are you happy for them, rejoicing over the fresh start that God graciously gave to them (and to you)?
“Rejoice with those who rejoice.” Romans 12:15 a
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to rejoice that those around me have accepted you as Savior and not resentful that you forgave them, too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Comments