THE WONDERFUL FATHER
So he got up and went to his father. "But 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." Luke 15:20
His father saw him and knew him. There was no holding back and waiting for words of repentance. From a long way off the father recognized the son and ran to meet him. There was no question about forgiveness. It was done.
The son said to him,"Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your servant." But the father said, "Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet." Luke 15:21-22
In verses 18 and 19, which we looked at yesterday, the son rehearsed the speech he was going to give his father. He planned to let his father know how unworthy he felt to be called a son, he only wanted to be a hired hand. Notice that the father, in the above verses, heard only the confession. He never let the son speak of unworthiness. The forgiveness of the father took away the unworthiness of the son.
It is the same way with our Heavenly Father. All He wants to hear is our confession, then He freely offers forgiveness. So many of us carry around guilt and unworthiness as baggage in our lives. We inflict pain and suffering on ourselves and refuse to believe or accept the real forgiveness and blessings offered by God. This is where we need to apply the popular phrase, "Just let go and let God."
If we confess our sins, he if faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9