The Forgiving Father

Parable. Are you familiar with that word? Well, this is a short simple story that explains an idea that has a moral lesson. There are many of them in the Bible, told by Jesus himself.

He used parables so that people would have a better and easier understanding of what he wanted to say.

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There are so many parables in the Bible. And when I was small, I loved listening to them.

My favorite is—“The Prodigal Son.” Many people call it instead, “The Forgiving Father.”

Since it is June, the special month reserved to honor fathers, let us talk about this parable and see the message it has for us.

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“The Prodigal Son” is a story about a father and his two sons. The younger one asked his father one day, “Please give me all of my inheritance so I could go and enjoy the world.”

Although his father worried about what might happen to him, he gave his son what he asked for.

The son quickly squandered every cent until he became a beggar and ate what pigs ate. So he decided to go back to his father’s house, ask forgiveness, and maybe beg that he be taken back as one of his servants.

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On his way home, his father recognized him from afar. He ran to his son, embraced and kissed him. He also ordered his servants to prepare the best clothes and a feast for his returning son.

Meanwhile, his elder son was jealous, “Father, I never left, did everything you wanted me to do, but I am not rewarded the way you are rewarding my brother!”

The father replied, “You have always enjoyed what I have at home, son, but your brother was lost and now he is found!”

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This story shows a father’s deep love for his son, no matter how badly he behaved. Yes, fathers will never give up on their children.

Many stories have been created from this parable, including one that I wrote, Look for the Star. It is a tale about a couple who makes parol (Christmas lanterns) for a living.

Despite their guidance and love, their only child fell into all sorts of trouble. He was one of the town’s bad boys.

While his parents were trying to give him advice one night, he stormed out angrily and never came back.

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Husband and wife constructed a giant parol—as big as their house—in the shape of a star. They hang it from the tallest tree and kept it lit all day and all night, “So our son will find his way home.” The parol brought joy to the town’s children who marveled at the sight of it everyday.

Then one night, the children thought the parol was gone. Truth was, the couple had turned it off because their son came home. After many years of careless living, the son saw the giant star and realized he had great parents waiting for him!

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On Father’s Day, may we all thank the Father of all, the One who forgave all of his children’s sins, so He could love us forever and ever.

How are you going to thank your own dad on Father Day? Will you share it with me? Please visit my website: http://leavesofgrace.blogspot.com or email me at: [email protected]