May 6, 2025

As Christians, we are called to love others as God loved us. But what about when God’s forgiveness and grace feel unjust, much like the older brother in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15)? Remember his story? After his years of faithful and seemingly forgotten service, his father throws a lavish party for the younger brother who had squandered his inheritance. The older son’s frustration was real: he felt overlooked, unappreciated, and deeply resentful. Jesus used this story to challenge the Pharisees who couldn’t rejoice when “unworthy sinners” were welcomed into God’s kingdom. It’s a challenge for us too. Do we struggle when others seem to receive grace easily, while we focus on our own efforts and faithfulness?

God calls us to a higher, often harder, path: to love the lost and rejoice when they are found, reflecting His heart for redemption. Our ultimate aim should be God’s glory, not our own. When faced with situations that feel unfair, let’s ask God to help us overcome our natural resentment and instead, share in the joy of His restorative work.