Fostering the Attitude of Joy 2

1 Thessalonians 5:16

 
SUBJECT: Cultivating the Christian Attitude of Joy

THEME: We can foster the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord because He is the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of spiritual Joy!

INTRODUCTION: As Christians our inner life is awfully important to God and our spiritual welfare—attitudes, motives, and behaviors are equally weighty aspects of our inner and external growth in grace. Doing the right thing should stem from being the right person. You may recall, an attitude is “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.” Attitudes include our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; all of which are to be consecrated to the glory of our Lord God. Our focus today is on the attitude of joy.

Joy is the fruit of a right relation with God. It is not something people can create by their own efforts. The Bible distinguishes joy from pleasure. The Greek word for pleasure is the word from which we get our word “hedonism,” the philosophy of self-centered pleasure seeking.”^[1]

The Apostle Paul characterized false teachers as “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:4). Let this be a warning to us all; we are to love God first and foremost. Joy will prove evasive and illusive as long as we pursue joy, but if we refocus and pursue the Lord then joy will be a benefit of our lavish communion with him. Rejoicing can become our habit…our practice…our character…our destiny.  

Joy as Action. There is a joy that Scripture commands. That joy is action that can be engaged in regardless of how the person feels. Proverbs 5:18 tells the reader to rejoice in the wife of his youth, without reference to what she may be like. Christ instructed his disciples to rejoice when they were persecuted, reviled, and slandered (Mt 5:11, 12). The apostle Paul commanded continuous rejoicing (Phil 4:4; 1 Thes 5:16). James said Christians are to reckon it all joy when they fall into various testings because such testings produce endurance (Jas 1:2). First Peter 4:13 seems to include both action and emotion…. Joy in adverse circumstances is possible only as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, who is present in every Christian (Gal 5:22).^[2]

All of this means our attitudes are a choice! We can choose to be joyful. This is further supported by the fact that God commands this behavior—rejoice. “Rejoice” is a firm authoritative command; not merely a suggestion we can take or leave. We must cultivate attitudes of Joy to ensure it marks our character. 

FOSTER AN ATTITUDE OF JOY CONTINUED….  

1Thes 5:16, Rejoice evermore. 

Recall also the Apostle Paul’s wise counsel, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Phil 4:4). 

Thesis: We can foster the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord because He is the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of our Joy!

          I.               Rejoicing Forevermore is Possible because of the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of Spiritual Joy! We understand the imperative and command to rejoice evermore, but here we explore further why we should. There are incredible reasons for fostering the holy attitude of joy. 

A.    First, Rejoice because Jehovah God is Our Source of Joy (Neh. 8:10-12).

                                        1.     We can rejoice always and, in all things, because the Source of our joy is a constant unchanging and all-sufficient origin.

                                        2.     Joy of the LORD—Jehovah, Yahweh—the existing One! It denotes absolute rule and authority of the Creator, Owner, and Master of the universe!

                                        3.     It is the “joy of the Lord” that strengthens us and empowers holy resilience—God-wrought buoyancy—divinely provided elasticity. We can continually rejoice because He always supplies all we need as we need it and whatever we need.

                                        4.     You can rejoice in the Lord as the infinite Source of our Joy! Joy comes from a supernatural Source—God himself and it is supernaturally sustained in our experiences. Transcendental, supernatural, spiritual and mystical are reasonable descriptions of the divine rejoicing; joy is made available through our faith and dependence upon the Lord for it. As certainly as the Lord resources our sun and a trillion billion stars in millions of galaxies He can resource you and me.

                                        5.     Nehemiah 8:10-12, Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. [Power] 11, So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. 12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. (Neh. 8:10-12)

                                        6.     We make a gross mistake when we pursue joy or when we expect joy from other sources. While there is natural joy and happiness that we experience through positive circumstances and healthy relationships. Some pursue joy primarily in human relationships—spouse, children, friends. Others look only to things to bring them joy—houses, cars, boats, ect. There are folks who expect joy in their occupations—promotions, more money and raises, new joy, bonuses, recognition ect. Yet, others hunt for joy in achievements—advanced degrees, and on the list goes. The Lord is your real Source of Joy! Look to Him!

B.    Secondly, Rejoice because Jesus Christ is our Subject of Joy (Phil. 4:8).

                                        1.     Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Phil. 4:8)

                                        2.     Your thought life matters when it comes to cultivating a joyful character! We can perceive what is involved in rejoicing evermore by focusing on the Lord. My heart has been rescued from downcast feelings and thoughts by refocusing my thoughts on the Lord Jesus. Thinking about Him stirs joy deep within.

                                        3.     Reflecting on His compassion, mercy, and love gives rise to comfort, assurance, and security in the deepest centers of my soul. Meditating on His patience, wisdom, and courage awakens persistence, confidence, and peace in my heart—again I am helped!

                                        4.     Beloved, concentrate your thoughts on Calvary, the empty tomb, your resurrected Savior, the ascended Christ, the enthroned and powerful Lord, our all-glorious Advocate, our compassionate High Priest, and the coming King of kings and Lord of lords!

                                        5.     Remember Jesus saved you, forgave you, brought you into the family of God and gave you his blessed Holy Spirit. Heaven and forever with the Lord is your eternal reality. Beloved, shout for joy! Let it rise from the depth of your ever-deepening conviction that you have many reasons to rejoice in the Lord. O’ the impact of Christ on our inner life is reason to rejoice evermore! (Phil. 1:4, 18; 2:16-18; 3:3; 4:4, 10; 1 Peter 1:5-8; 1 John 1:1-4)

                                        6.     If you merely ruminate on what’s wrong, bad, evil, sinful, awful, or negative then you will naturally be down cast and mitigate the joy you seek to build in your life!

C.    Thirdly, Rejoice because Father-God is Our Sovereign of Joy (Acts 16:19-35).

                                        1.     JOY is an acrostic for Jehovah over You! He is wonderfully in control of our circumstances! The command to “Rejoice evermore” (1Thess. 5:16) certainly rises out of a firmly fixed conviction that God is in complete control of our circumstances and challenges! His plan concerning you and me is good! We really believe that…come what may. No one else and nothing else occupies the throne of the entire universe! God alone rules forever on high over all; He is supremely in control. If he rules over all, then that includes you and me. If he exercises control over all, then we must accept his control over us. For me, this is reason to rejoice!

                                        2.     Accordingly, in Acts 16:19-35, Paul and Silas were simply obeying God and preaching the Gospel of Christ in Philippi. People were being saved and lives were changing, but this brought false accusations, physical persecution, public humiliating beatings, condemnation without a fair trial, and imprisonment in a dank jail. Rather than being bitter, lapsing into depression, or plotting an escape, these servants of Christ demonstrated confidence in God’s great plan for them. Instead of weeping, cussing, complaining, or protesting they rejoiced and sang praises to God! This was a powerful testimony to the on-watching prisoners. You see, this is the power of joy in action—strengthening and sustaining faithful servants to continue in the work of the Lord Jesus. In fact, God started the church at Philippi with the converts from this development.

                                        3.     Our role is to trust this truth and be glad in the Lord God. Notice how David agrees with Paul saying, “Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart” (Ps 32:11). Why not join David and shout for joy? Why??? You and I are not subject to chance, lucky stars, fate, or horoscopes. God is managing our affairs with love, grace, wisdom, power, and this is far more meaningful than impersonal forces randomly impacting our lives!

                                        4.     Since your confidence and trust is indeed in the Lord “rejoice” and “shout for joy”! "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee." (Ps 5:11) Express your love for the Lord Jesus by rejoicing in Him. Envelop yourself in His defense strategies first and foremost; rejoice in the impeccable security Jehovah affords. Once again, the Apostle Paul said it perfectly, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." (Phil 4:4). There is NO need to fret or fear—trust Him implicitly.

                                        5.     When we keep our minds and hearts upon the truth that Christ controls our circumstances, then we can’t help but rejoice. With the Lord on the throne, everything will ultimately be alright. He does all things well; He rules with wisdom, power, and love. He is our Sovereign, Source and Subject of Joy; therefore, keep rejoicing as you go! (Acts 16:19-35)

                                        6.     If you find it difficult to give God control of your entire life, it may be you do not trust His sovereign wisdom, power, or love! On the other side of full surrender is victory and joy unspeakable and full of glory! (1Pet. 1:5-9)

II.            Rejoicing Always and in All Conditions Must be Fostered…How May We Foster Joy? While we fully acknowledge joy cannot be produce through mere human manipulations, there our spiritual activities that God uses to produce joyful experiences. So, again what are some ways we may experience joy?

A.    By Communing with God through Christ (1John 1:4)

B.    By Abiding (staying) in Jesus Christ to be Fruitful (John 15:11)

C.    By Depending on the Spirit for his gracious life-changing Fruit (Gal. 5:22-23)

D.    By Reaping a Harvest of Converts through sharing the Gospel (Phil. 2:15-18)

E.    By Rejoicing in the Lord Habitually and Intentionally (Phil. 4:4)

F.     By Renewing the Mind with Scripture (Rom. 12:1-2; Phil. 4:8)

CONCLUSION:

We can foster the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord because He is the Source, Subject, and Sovereign of spiritual Joy!

Holy Joy can be the continual experience of Christians, even in the most contrary conditions. Beloved, this is because our great God is the source, subject and sovereign of our joy! Therefore, we can deliberately “rejoice evermore.” In doing so we foster the attitude of joy. Remember, Christ is fully in control of our circumstances.

Even from the world of science and psychology, joy and happiness have been linked to good health:

            1.  Promotes a healthier lifestyle

2. Protects your heart
3. Combats disease and disability
4. Boosts/strengthens your immune system
5. Fights stress and supports fewer aches and pains
6. Promotes longevity—lengthens our lives

Truly, “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Prov. 17:22; see also Prov. 15:13). The science world is only beginning to realize the physical and temporal benefits of joy and happiness. For thousands of years the Scriptures have informed us of these along with the far reaching spiritual benefits of a joyful life in Christ. Let us explore the wonders of intimate communion with the Lord; one incredible result is fullness of joy (1John 1:1-4). In obedience to God’s command, let us “rejoice evermore” in the Lord!

Finally, as joy-filled believers, we will make a positive impact for the glory of God. It is easy to conceive how more people would come to Christ if we were characterized by real joy (Jn. 15:11; 10:10). Christ wills that His people not only have life, but that we have it more abundantly! Joy should not only create a curiosity, but also a hunger in hearts for the Lord. Christianity should be marked by saltiness while providing light to all (Matt. 5:13-16). Joy is solid evidence of Christianity’s distinctive testimony. Remember the words of the Savior, “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

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^[1] Dean, R. J. (2003). Joy. In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (pp. 956–957). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

^[2] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Joy. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1225). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Fostering the Attitude of Joy

1 Thessalonians 5:16

 

SUBJECT: Cultivating the Christian Attitude of Joy

THEME: Joy can be the constant experience of the Christian, even in the most adverse circumstances, because Christ is the source and subject of our joy, and Christ is in control of the circumstances. (W. MacDonald)

INTRODUCTION: As Christians our attitudes, motives, and behaviors are vitally important to God. The most important are our attitudes toward God as we anticipate our Lord’s return. Technically, an attitude is “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.” Attitude has also been defined as “the position or posture assumed by the body in connection with an action, feeling, mood, etc.” Basically, our attitude towards something is the way we think and feel about it, especially when this shows in the way we behave. So, what do you think of the Lord? How do you feel towards him? 

The shocking part is the fact that our behavior reflects our attitudes toward the Lord! Is there a need to focus on our thoughts, beliefs, values, and feelings--you know...deep inner change? Positive changes start with solid applications of biblical truth to our beliefs, attitudes with the result of behavior changes. As Believers we need to be changed and transformed by the Word and Grace of God from the inside out. In addition, our attitudes can be stimulated and refocused on holy character! 

The reality that Christ is coming encourages us to cultivate healthy attitudes and behaviors! If we Christians really believe Christ is coming for us in the Rapture, it will radically change our attitudes and lifestyle. Certainly this is the case with Christians anticipating our Lord’s return. His coming should have a stimulating impact on our attitudes and behavior!

WHAT SHOULD BE OUR ATTITUDES TOWARD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER? What attitudes should we desire and cultivate? (1 Thess. 5:16-18)

I feel more impressed with these attitudes because they focus on the Father of Glory! The first three attitudes that follow seem to relate particularly to the Lord God, our Heavenly Father. The attitudes are joy, trust (prayer), and gratitude and all three relate directly to our relationship with God. Our joy is in Him and from Him. Our prayers are directed to Him as our Provider, and we offer our sincerest and most heartfelt thanks to God!

All of this means our attitudes are a choice! We can choose to be joyful, trusting, and thankful. This is further supported by the fact that God commands these attitudes and behaviors. Each one of these are firm authoritative commands; they are not merely suggestions we can take or leave. We must cultivate the attitudes of Joy, Trust, and Gratitude to ensure they mark our character. 

FOSTER AN ATTITUDE OF JOY  

1Thes 5:16, Rejoice evermore. 

Thesis: We can foster the spiritual attitude of Joy by rejoicing in the Lord!

Rejoicing always and in all conditions is intentionally developing the character and attitude of spiritual joy!

A.    What Does “Rejoice” Mean?

1.     Rejoice” refers to a positive human condition that can be either a feeling or action. Rejoice means to enjoy a state of happiness and well-being. As an action, rejoicing entails expressing gladness.

2.     Joy is a deep and persisting inner gladness that was promised to believers who abide in Christ by the Lord Himself (John 15:11). Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” It grows in the heart that is in trusting communion with God.

3.     In addition, joy is a profound sense of well-being that is not dependent upon positive circumstances, but is rooted in that fellowship with God through Jesus Christ (1Jn. 1:4). Joy is a deep-seated acceptance of God’s rule and will, and yes, a full confidence in the plan of the Lord.

4.     Believers are instructed and even commanded in the Word to “rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 3:1), we are further encouraged to proceed "rejoicing in hope" (Rom. 12:12), and "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Phil. 4:4). Repeatedly, the Lord prescribes the development of an attitude of joy through practicing joyful expressions. God's people should be distinguished by this incredible quality of joyfulness. Clearly, this will look different in each life influenced by our temperament and personality. Never-the-less, we all should be marked by joyful expressions and forms of exuberance authentic to our unique temperament.

B.     What Is “Evermore” Referring To?

1.     God impresses you and me to rejoice “evermore.” It means to show joy always, at all times, and on all occasions. For the duration of time and with reference to a series of occasions, God calls upon us to rejoice. Joyfulness should be the character of every believer! 

2.     Joy is a choice! Spiritual joy is a conscious decision to rejoice and be joyful in spite of difficulties and challenges. Col 1:24-26, Who now rejoice [to enjoy a state of happiness and well-being] in my sufferings [the state or experience of suffering pain or distress] for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions [trouble, persecution, pain, calamity, distress] of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: ²⁵ Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; ²⁶ Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

3.     Joy can be the constant experience of the Believer, even in the most adverse circumstances. In fact, spiritual joy supplies power to absorb the impact of suffering for Christ’s sake. While this is not true of mere happiness it is certainly true of spiritual joy.

a.      Col. 1:11, Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

b.     Matt. 5:11-12, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. ¹² Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

c.      Acts 5:40-42, And to him [Gamaliel, a doctor of the Law—Paul’s teacher] they agreed: and when they [Sanhedrin Council with the High Priest] had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ⁴¹ And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing [expressing actions of rejoicing, jubilation, and exuberance] that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.          

4.     Certainly, there will be times to weep, times of sadness, and periods of dark feelings, but the overall character of the believer should be joyfulness. In the next article I will give three more reasons why we can keep on rejoicing regardless! 

CONCLUSION:

Principal Rainy (Tan 1979, p. 2821) was so well known for being happy, that a child once commented that she believed he went to Heaven every night because he was so happy every day. He once described Christian’s joy with this metaphor, “Joy,” he said, “is the flag which is flown from the castle of the heart when the King is in residence there.”

Does the Lord Jesus rule and reign over you? Oh, that Christ reigned in every heart! Joy is contentment and satisfaction with God and with all His dealings as He works life together for our good (Phil. 4:11). We may not always “see the good” that God is working in our life at the moment; but we can take Him at His word knowing that He is working it together (Ps. 4:7; 37:5).

Finally, joy involves “looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith.” Christ possessed joy in Hebrews 1:9; 12:2 as He looked beyond the suffering to the glory. Joy enabled Him to endure the cross. Evidently, the “joy of the Lord” (Neh. 8:10) is our spiritual strength, power, and resilience. The more joy resides in and fills our souls the more vigor we have to endure the challenging and painful periods of life. Joy affords us spiritual stamina and strong hearts to keep on going in God’s plans. Rejoice evermore! 

Our Forgiving Heavenly Father

Luke 15:11-24

The parable of the prodigal son could rightly be called the parable of the forgiving father. Clearly the message of this story is of love, grace, and forgiveness from start to finish. We immediately recognize the image of God as a loving Father. Such a depiction of God is not a new concept introduced by our Lord Jesus.

GOD IS COMMONLY PORTRAYED AS FORGIVING

It is a message presented often in the Old Testament Scriptures:

Psalm 130:3-4, If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? [4] But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

Psalm 130:7, Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

Daniel 9:9, To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;

David, the Psalmist wrote with strong convictions, “there is forgiveness with thee” referring to God. He personally knew something about the fantastic mercies and forgiveness of God. On another occasion the Psalmist quipped, “…with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.” The merciful nature of God gave him reason to hope in the Lord! Daniel wrote an entire chapter which is essentially a prayer of confession—an appeal to God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness. Though the nation of Israel had rebelled against the Lord, Daniel knew “mercies and forgivenesses” belong to God. These are but a sample of the many references to God as forgiving and merciful. This quality of God is celebrated often throughout the Psalms and the entire Old Testament. Dr. Stanley, a popular Bible teacher observed,  

Moses knew the gracious love of God when God told him that His “Presence” would go with him and He would give him rest, even after the children of Israel had turned from God by making a golden calf as an idol to worship. (See Ex. 33:14–23.) 

Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven with the full expectation that God would hear his confession on behalf of the children of Israel, forgive their sin, and restore His people to Jerusalem. (See Neh. 1:11.)

The psalmist spoke repeatedly of a forgiving God. (See Pss. 51; 130.)
The prophet Daniel saw forgiveness and mercy as being God's very nature. (See Dan. 9:9.)

One of the most vital truths you can ever learn about God is that He loves you unconditionally, infinitely, and tenderly. His love never changes. It is His nature. God's love and God's desire to forgive are inseparable.

If there is any doubt regarding God’s gracious love and propensity to forgive, then please consider thoughtfully John’s words in 1 John 4:9, saying, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” Forgiveness is most consistent with our heavenly Father’s loving, merciful, and gracious nature!

THE PARABLE OF THE FORGIVING FATHER HIGHLIGHTS GOD’S WILLINGNESS TO FORGIVE

The parable of the forgiving father is found in Luke 15:11–24. Quit commonly this parable is entitled “The Prodigal Son.” The focus is on the experience of the son who left home and wasted his life and money in sin. However, another look focused on the behavior of the father in the story is most revealing of the loving and forgiving nature of our heavenly Father. Earlier in that same chapter are two other teachings by Jesus about rejoicing over restored relationship after a period of separation (being lost and then being found). These parables allow us a precious glimpse into the great heart of God to see how willing He is to forgive when we turn to Him. They tell us that God rejoices to restore broken relationships and is ready to forgive! 

Consider them separately:

One Is the Story of a Man Who Has One Hundred Sheep and Loses One of Them. He searches for the one lost sheep until he finds it. When he returns home with the lost sheep draped over his shoulders, he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!” (Vs 6). We cannot help but note that such restoration (finding the lost sheep) presents an occasion to rejoice in. This is the heart and attitude of God towards us sinners in salvation and his feelings about finding the lost. Likewise forgiveness leading to salvation or restoration is a matter to delight in and rejoice in as God invites us to do so. There is no need to fear turning to our heavenly Father when we have sinned against Him.

The Second Story Is about a Woman Who Has Ten Silver Coins. She loses one of them and searches diligently until she finds it. When she has recovered her precious coin, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I had lost!” (Vs 9).

In both cases, Jesus concludes His parables by saying, “. . . Likewise joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” (See Luke 15:4–10.)

Beloved, God is highly motivated to forgive when we repent seeking His forgiveness. Listen to me carefully, God is not a part of the problem when we sin and fail to live up to His expectations. No, He is the solution! He seeks to restore us unto fellowship with Himself when we have strayed in some area. These parables celebrate this truth and empress with this reality. Yes, we feel deep and incredible shame when we have sinned against the Lord. Our natural instinct is to hide from God, pretend it did not happen, blame someone else for it, or redefine what is sinful and what is permissible! None of these strategies will effectively address the problem of GUILT in the soul. In these stories, God shows in profound clarity that He is the solution to guilt and moral failure!

Jesus Then Tells a Third Story.  This is the Prodigal Son or the Forgiven Father Parable! As you read this parable in its entirety, I encourage you to think on the prevalence of the Father (Luke 15:11–24).

Notice that the son finally came to himself remembering the Father’s abundance, generosity, and gracious nature. He never doubted for a second that the father would receive him if he returned home.  

Notice also that the father met the son with open arms showing incredible compassion and love. As Christians, our identity can be with this son. He sinned even though he was part of the family. Christians sometimes sin even though we are part of God's family. Clearly the Father deals with His children in ways that can be likened unto compassionate loving reception and forgiveness. This is the New Testament’s portrayal of the wonderful merciful heart of God from the very lips of the Lord Jesus!

There is nothing in the boy’s actions to warrant, earn, or motivate God's forgiveness except the fact that he return to the father. But that is true for all of us. There is no performance, task, or good work that we can do to earn our salvation. Nothing in us is commendable to God. The motivation for forgiving this errant son lies totally within the father, just as the motivation for forgiving sinners lies totally within God.

If we, as born-again believers, have sinned and turned from God, there is no good deed that we can do to win ourselves back into God's good graces. We cannot substitute church attendance or involvement, witnessing, sacrifices, committee work, self-imposed punishments, or any form of service or deed for confession of our sins, a request for God's forgiveness, and repentance—a change of our mind and heart leading to a change in behavior.

GOD’S FORGIVENESS IS POWERFULLY EVIDENT IN THE PARABLE (VS 17-24)

Notice all the ways in this story in which the father responds to what his son has done as you reread the account. All of these gifts to his son are indications the father sees his son as a son, a fully restored member of his family.

The father celebrates the fact that his son has returned home. This should sound a bit familiar! The shepherd who lost a sheep and the woman who lost a valuable coin celebrated their reunions! Listen to the father saying, “. . . Let us eat and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found . . .” (Luke 15:23–24). The father rejoiced in his returning son, and so it is with us believers when we have failed the Lord in some particular. Our God is a forgiving Lord, and He will forgive and restore us. Beloved, God is willing to forgive when we come to Him. Yes, we are the ones who turn from His commandments. We are the ones who are so inclined to hide, minimize, deny, or shift the blame from ourselves as sin management tactics. Beloved resist this tendency and turn to God. We are the ones who walk away from His presence; now it is time to return.

I believe it was Dr. Stanley who said, “The question is not, Will God forgive me, a Christian, when I sin? The question is, Will I receive God's forgiveness for my sin?” What about you and me? Will we drudge on in our guilt and shame or will we return to the Father’s House? Beloved, it is time to come home.