In one of the most tender portraits of God’s heart, Jesus shares the story often called The Prodigal Son — or more aptly, The Loving Father. This parable unveils the depth of divine compassion and the boundless grace that meets us even in the farthest reaches of our sin. The younger son, restless and reckless, demanded his inheritance early — an act considered nearly unthinkable in Jewish culture, as though wishing his father dead. Yet the father granted it, allowing freedom even at great cost, patiently watching the road for his son’s return.

The son’s rebellion led to ruin, leaving him destitute, starving, and broken in a foreign land. In humility, he “came to himself” and resolved to return home. But before he reached the gate, his father — who had been waiting and watching — ran to him. This shocking act of mercy illustrates the essence of God’s love: He does not wait for us to earn worthiness; He runs toward us, embracing us even in our sin. The robe, the ring, and the sandals symbolize full restoration — honor, authority, and belonging — freely given, not earned.

The story also confronts the heart of the older brother, whose pride and resentment blind him to grace. The Father’s invitation — “All that I have is yours… come and rejoice” — echoes through time, reminding us that divine love is never partial or conditional. Whether we have wandered far or remained near yet distant in spirit, the message is the same: the Father calls us home. How will we respond to the relentless, welcoming love of God today?