The Forgiving Father
Silence and stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture reading
Scripture reading:
Luke 15:20–24
So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”
Devotional
There’s nothing cautious about the father’s response. No suspicion. No “I told you so.” Just compassion, running feet, open arms, and celebration. This is the heart of God.
The son had wounded him deeply — demanded his inheritance, vanished without a word, and squandered everything. The father had every right to be bitter. But instead, he stayed ready. Eyes fixed on the horizon. Heart open.
Forgiveness in God’s kingdom is not earned — it’s received. The robe, the ring, the feast — all of it flows from love, not merit.
We’ve all wandered. We’ve all hurt others. We’ve all needed grace. And this is the hope: our Father waits. And when we return, He runs.
Forgiveness is a gift we receive — and a gift we are called to give. As we let the Father’s love restore us, we become people who reflect that love to others.
Question to consider
Do you see yourself more as the returning son or the waiting father in this story today? What does God's forgiveness stir in your heart?
Prayer
Father, thank you for your open arms. Thank you for not holding my sins against me. Help me live in your grace and extend that grace to others freely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Conclude with silence (2 minutes)
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DAILY SEVENS
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Daily Sevens are devotionals to help you connect with God throughout the day. Each Office contains five elements: Silence and Stillness, Scripture, a Devotional Reading, a Question to Consider, and Prayer.
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