The Father of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) (God's Love) (God's Grace) (God's Compassion) (God's Forgiveness)

(The prodigal son and his father meet. Click for source.)

The Father of the Prodigal Son

I am writing this article as a Protestant who cares for Catholics and anyone who believes that it is necessary for them to perform for God's love or do works in order to be forgiven and cleansed from sin. 

Some people (both Protestants and Catholics) hold onto a wrong view of God that when they sin and repent, that somehow God would expect them to perform "penances," or acts to help pay for their sin, or works to bring them back to a "right standing" with God. Some believe they should confess their sins to a spiritual leader (such as a priest). But, what does the Bible say about this?

The Bible Has the Answer

(Bible. Click for source.)

James 5:16 says: "[16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

If someone has wronged you (such as spoken evil of you), he or she should confess that sin to you and ask your forgiveness. And, vice versa. This is not speaking about going to a person (or a priest) to confess one's sins to. If Jim gossiped about Bill, behind his back, he should confess his sin to Bill and ask for forgiveness. Likewise, Bill should do the same to Jim if Bill had mistreated Jim.

Many People Have a Wrong View of God Being Harsh or Distant When He Is Gracious, Kind, and Compassionate

Many People Have a Wrong View of God Being Harsh or Distant When He Is Gracious, Kind, and Compassionate

There are many people (including Christians) who view God the Father as a very harsh, strict, or aloof God. But, these beliefs are not biblical because God is perfect Love (1 John 4:16). And, Abba God is gracious, longsuffering (patiently enduring), and gentle in dealing with His children, as a loving Father.

(This is not what Jesus actually looked like,
but this painting by a young girl 
(a child prodigy)  may capture
 an idea of the love that Jesus has for us.
Click for source.)

Psalm 86:5 says: "For thou, LORD, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."

Exodus 34:6 says: "And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,"

Isaiah 41:10 says: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Some Christians (like I used to struggle with) struggle with feeling that they have to perform for God's love and acceptance or perform to receive God's blessings in their lives. If they fail to do something they believe God wanted them to do, they might feel upset with themselves. If we do wrong, we need to genuinely repent, and then rest and receive God's forgiveness. Along with that, we need to forgive ourselves and seek to know God as our loving Abba Father, which is who He is.

1 John 1 is a very good chapter to read and meditate on. Here is a portion of it, below.

1 John 1, and Walking in the Light,
 and in Fellowship with God

Explaining Hebrews 12:1-2 (Explaining the Cloud of Witnesses, using the Bible)

Hebrews 12:1-2  

"[1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

(Elijah calls fire down from heaven. Click for source.

[2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." [End quote]

Some people are mistaken about their interpretation of Hebrews 12:1-2. They say that we Christians are literally surrounded by the spirits of people such as Moses and Elijah, but that is not what Hebrews 12 is teaching. This verse is speaking figuratively about how the believers who have gone up to Heaven have lived. They lived by faith and overcome the enemy through God's power. Their lives are an inspiration to us and a witness of how God's power operates through our faith.