Luke 15:11-32 And he said, A certain man had two sons:… I advise every one — who wishes to be a true penitent — first of all to get a firm hold upon the fact that God is his Father, his loving Father still. Our sins do not change the Fatherhood of God. God loves sinners. If God did not love sinners, why did He give His own dearly beloved Son to die for sinners? And is not the feeling that his Father is grieved the severest part of that punishment, be that punishment whatever it may, to every child who has not quite sinned away the finer joys and the natural instincts of the human heart? "I can bear my punishment, father; but I cannot bear your tears, father!" was the true outcome of a son's inmost feelings under his father's chastening. Never, whatever you have done to offend God, or how long you have offended God, never let go the feeling of the confidence of a child to a loving Father. "He is my Father, He is not changed." You are, not He. Do not confuse your feelings and His feelings. Cling to the Fatherhood of God. The Father may chasten, very severely chasten, but He is a Father who never hates; He is a Father who never tires; He is a Father who cannot finally refuse to accept the smallest confession, or one really penitential tear. (J. Vaughan, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said, A certain man had two sons: |
    |