Scripture to Read: Luke 15:18-20
From yesterday’s devotion, we know that the prodigal son treated his father as if his father were dead and then went and lived only to please his fleshly desires. The prodigal ends up broke, starving, and feeding pigs. But then in Luke 15:17, some beautiful words are shared by our Lord for He says of the prodigal son, “he came to his senses.” The prodigal was broken, not just financially and physically, but he was broken spiritually. We know he was broken spiritually because of his humble, repentant statement in Luke 15:18-19 as he says, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.” This statement shows us what true repentance looks like. The prodigal confesses that he has sinned against God, that he has sinned against his dad, that he is not worthy to be called a son, but that he hopes he can serve as a hired slave. When we repent and seek forgiveness from anyone, we must follow this example. We must confess our sin against everyone we have offended. We must confess our sin before our Heavenly Father. We must ask those we have offended for their forgiveness because their forgiveness is not eternal. But, as believers, we THANK God for His forgiveness through our Lord Jesus Christ because His forgiveness is eternal (read Colossians 1:13-14, Colossians 2:13-14, Colossians 3:12-13; Ephesians 4:31-32 and 1 John 1:9 for references).
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about repentance and forgiveness?
2. How will you now seek the forgiveness of others when you have offended them? How will you walk in God’s forgiveness through Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!