Originally posted on Facebook on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

An inheritance is something you receive after someone has died. Asking for it beforehand is not only reckless, it suggests, "I wish you were dead".

Before the son even engaged in prodigal living, he was guilty of offense against the father by demanding his inheritance.

However the father did not curse his son out or condemn him, but he allows his son his choice.

Why?

Could it be what the Father did was in hope?

Could it be that in his loving wisdom he looked many steps ahead and did the only thing that would allow his beloved son to truly come home?

What a master class in parenting and love.

It challenges me to expand my view of parenting and correction beyond coercing them to conform but to create the conditions necessary for me to receive them.

This begins with righteousness, love, and mercy at home.

Without righteousness there is no way for the son to recognize, "I have sinned **against heaven** AND before you." (Luke 15:18)

Without love there is no way for the son to recognize that people are treated well and nurtured there, "[Even] my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare…" (Luke 15:17)

Without mercy there is no way for him to expect to be received, "I will arise and go to my father…" (Luke 15:18)

The father does this not once, but twice. He shepherds another son who is just as astray as his brother though he never left the house. He ministers to him in a different way that reaches him and meets him where he is. (Luke 15:28)

What's clear for both however, is that the father wants them both together with him (Luke 15:31-32).

What a good, good Father.

#TheHopeOfChoice #reconciliation #perfectourlove