Does God condemn you?

The parable of the prodigal son is one of the best known and most touching. It tells us that a son came back to his father after squandering all of his inheritance. His father saw him coming from afar, and “filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” (see Luke 15:20, NLT)

The story of the prodigal son is the story of a father who sees his son from afar and runs toward him. He doesn’t blame his son at all. He doesn’t ask him any questions…Instead of heaping reproach upon him, he lavishly pours out love for his child!

Not only does your Heavenly Father always welcome you with open arms, but He also rises to seek you. No matter…

• The depth of your prison,
• The greatness of your error,
• Or the fear you may feel,

God is taking a step towards you.

In the Bible, we see that Jesus reaches out to sinners. He doesn’t turn away from them, and He doesn’t judge them. On the contrary, He welcomes them with open arms. He is compassionate and forgiving.

In fact, we read this in John 8:10-11: “Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”” (the Bible, NLT)

This woman had just been caught in the act of adultery. Seeing Him approach, she may have been afraid, fearful…“What is He going to do to me? Is He going to throw a stone?” But instead of condemning her and participating in her stoning, Jesus defends her and forgives her sin.

If you feel distant from the Lord today, He is the One who is taking this step in your direction. The One who rises up to find you. To get you out of prison. To get you out of sickness. To get you out of anguish. To deliver you from torment.

However thick the walls are around you, your Heavenly Father is making them fall by the power of His love, the authority of His word.

I encourage you today to lean on Him, rely on Him. He will never let you down, as this song says. He’ll never give up on you.

Have a wonderful day surrounded by His love!