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In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger brother asked to
receive his inheritance early so he might live as he chose. Once the
father gave him his share, he made many unwise choices that led to
hunger and destitution. What happened next illustrates the principles of
godly repentance.
After squandering all his money, the young man found work feeding pigs,
a bottom-of-the-barrel kind of job. One day he came to his senses and
recognized his terrible plight. His repentance began with an awareness
of his wrong choices and the fact that his bad situation was due to
them.
Knowing that his difficulties came from his sinful behavior, the
prodigal grieved over his mistakes and acknowledged that he had sinned
against the Lord (v. 18). He declared he was no longer worthy to be his
father's son. Godly sorrow and confession led the young man to leave
that place and go home. His repentance was made complete when he turned
away from his old ways and returned to his father. The Lord likewise
calls us to repent and return to Him.
What a welcome the prodigal son received. Upon seeing him, the father
was filled with compassion and ran to embrace him. Forgiveness and
acceptance were extended to the son. Both are blessings that God freely
offers to whoever asks Him.
The prodigal son did not clean himself up before returning home. He
simply left his old life, turned toward home, and trusted in his
father's mercy. The heavenly Father calls us to repent and offers us
forgiveness when we turn away from our self-centered ways and move
toward godliness (1 John 1:9).
Dr. Charles Stanley
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