The young man started walking back to his father’s house. When he was still far away, his father saw him coming. The father felt sorry for him and ran to him. He hugged his son and kissed him.
The son said, “Father, I have done wrong against God and against you. I am not good enough to be called your son.”
But the father called his servants and said, “Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Bring the young cow we have been keeping. Let’s have a big meal and be happy together!
My son was lost, but now he is found. I thought he was gone, but now he has come home.”
Everyone began to celebrate with joy. The father was not angry. He welcomed his son, showing forgiveness and kindness that comes from a heart filled with compassion.
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Discussion questions.
- What did the father do when he saw his son coming home?
- Have you ever been forgiven by someone when you made a mistake? How did that make you feel?
- The father forgave his son with love and joy. What does this tell you about God’s heart toward us?