What steps can we take to embrace forgiveness as shown in Luke 15:28? Setting the Scene “Luke 15:28: ‘But he was angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.’” The older son’s reaction exposes the barriers that keep us from extending forgiveness. Jesus’ words invite us to trade resentment for redemptive joy. Observing the Older Son’s Struggle • Anger blinds him to the father’s heart of mercy. • Resentment isolates him—he “refused to go in.” • Pride makes him feel morally superior and ill-used. Step 1: Admit the Anger • Acknowledge the emotion instead of masking it. • Psalm 139:23-24—ask God to “search” and reveal hidden grudges. • 1 John 1:9—confess honestly; God is “faithful and just to forgive.” Step 2: Hear the Father’s Plea • The father “came out and pleaded”—God initiates reconciliation (Romans 5:8). • Pause to let Scripture speak louder than wounded feelings (James 1:19). • Recognize that refusal to listen keeps us outside the celebration. Step 3: Remember Our Own Need for Grace • Romans 3:23—“all have sinned.” • Ephesians 2:8-9—salvation is pure gift, not earned merit. • Gratitude for personal forgiveness softens the heart toward others (Matthew 18:32-33). Step 4: Choose to Release the Offense • Forgiveness is an act of the will empowered by the Spirit (Philippians 2:13). • Ephesians 4:32—“forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” • Verbally release the debt to God; refuse to rehearse the wrong. Step 5: Join the Celebration of Restoration • The father’s joy becomes ours when we step inside. • Luke 15:10—heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents; so should we. • Celebrate evidence of God’s work in those who once hurt us. Step 6: Keep the Heart Soft through Ongoing Communion • Stay close to the Father daily—prayer, Scripture, worship (John 15:4). • Colossians 3:13—“bear with one another” anticipates future offenses; keep forgiveness on standby. • Guard against new seeds of bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). Putting the Steps into Practice 1. Daily invite God to spotlight hidden resentments. 2. Meditate on passages that reveal His forgiving nature (Psalm 103:10-12). 3. When wronged, decide quickly to release, refusing to nurse the hurt. 4. Look for ways to bless and celebrate the offender’s progress. 5. Remain anchored in the Father’s love, knowing He always comes out to meet us. |
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