Tuesday, 2 June 2026

*God is Love!*

*“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.”* (Joel 2:13)

Many parents who have amassed wealth eventually reach a point of distributing their property to their children, sometimes even while still alive. If one of those children later squanders his inheritance and returns home, to beg for some more, he would not usually expect a warm welcome. In most cases, such a return is met with reluctance or outright rejection.

Yet the story of the Prodigal Son reveals a different kind of love. After demanding and receiving his share of the estate, the younger son left home and wasted everything in reckless living. He eventually found himself in deep poverty and despair. When he came to his senses, he decided to return home, fearing rejection. Instead, *“while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found”* ( Luke 15:20-24).

This parable beautifully captures the heart of God’s love. The son had abandoned his father, wasted his inheritance, and ruined his life. Yet the moment he turned back toward home, the father ran to meet him with open arms — without condemnation or hesitation.

Just like the Prodigal Son, we do not earn God’s love because we are good, deserving, or perfect. What matters is that we return to Him. The Bible tells us: *“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”* (2 Peter 3:9)

Perhaps you too have walked away from God, believing a better life existed elsewhere, only to discover it was an illusion. Guilt may now keep you from returning. But hear the Lord’s words today: *“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”* (Jeremiah 31:3).

Come home. God will receive you with open arms just as you are.

*Prayer:* Lord Almighty Father God, today I return to You, knowing that You accept me as I am. Thank You for a love that does not hold my past against me, but freely forgives and refreshes me to begin a new life in You. I pray this in Jesus’ name!