I just reread the parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15:11-32. As a kid, this was always one of my favorite parables as it reminded me of God's love for me. Of course at such a young age, I never really thought I could relate to the prodigal son. As I reread the parable tonight though, I think that at some point in our life, we all can relate to him. Maybe we all have not gone to the same extremes as he did, but we have all gone astray at some point.
Another part I realized tonight, is that a lot of us unfortunately can be like the brother who had remained at home. Rather than rejoicing in his brother's return and repentance, he was jealous and angry. Instead of looking at someone's past and judging them based on that, we need to focus on the present and future. We need to strive to be like Christ, which granted, it is an impossible task for us humans, but it is a goal we should all have. We need to love everyone and welcome them with open arms. It takes courage and strength for someone to return from a shameful past.
I just hope that I can be open minded and love like Jesus did. I do not want to judge, and I want to be accepting of everyone, no matter where they have been.
