Unconditional Love
OPENING PRAYER:
Loving Father, as we immerse ourselves in Your Word today, help us to grasp the depth of Your unconditional love for us. May we be transformed by this love, learning to extend it to others with grace and compassion. Open our hearts to the boundless mercy You offer and inspire us to reflect Your love in all our relationships. Amen.
"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."
This verse captures the father's response to his returning son, a powerful image of unconditional love and forgiveness. It reflects God's love for us, welcoming us back with open arms.
Luke 15:20 (NIV):
REFLECT:
The father's response to his returning son is one of the most moving moments in the parable. Despite the son's actions, the father is filled with compassion and runs to embrace him. This is a powerful image of unconditional love, reflecting God's love for us. The father's willingness to forgive and welcome his son home is a reminder of the grace and mercy that God extends to each of us.
In his message, Pastor Carter highlights the importance of loving our children unconditionally. This means being ready to welcome them back, regardless of their mistakes. It is a love that does not hold grudges or seek to punish but seeks to restore and heal. This is the kind of love that God calls us to extend to others, reflecting His love in our relationships.
Reflecting on the societal norms of the time, we gain a deeper understanding of the story. In the first-century Jewish culture, it was undignified for a man to run. Yet, the father runs to his son, breaking these norms to express his love. This is a reminder that God's love transcends cultural expectations and societal norms. It is a love that is willing to go to great lengths to restore and redeem.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will ask one open-ended question with a kid in my life, especially when they've made a mistake.
It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does matter. One thoughtful question can open the door to a meaningful conversation and remind a kid that they are seen, loved, and not alone. To help you with that, we’ve created a list of simple, open-ended conversation starters you can use with the kids and students in your life. You can find them in the Pathway app or at pathwaychurch.com/parentresources
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for Your unconditional love that welcomes us back with open arms. Help us to reflect this love in our relationships, extending grace and forgiveness to others. May we be instruments of Your love in the world. Amen.