Our Loving, Caring Heavenly Father

There may be a no more tender companionate description of God than this found in Luke 15:20. In this passage God is given five human-like qualities.

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1) Father Saw

The “all-seeing eye” of God never slumbers or sleeps. He is described as hoping His child will “bring forth fruits worthy of repentance:” Matthew 3:8 sometimes we give up to soon on our brethren but God never does.

2) Father had Compassion

Our God is tender-hearted, a forgiving and merciful Father who is ready to give man a new beginning. He understands mans sinful nature. Paul describes his struggle with the temptation to sin in Romans 7:25 “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”

3) Father Ran

This may be the only scripture which describes God as running. He is ready & eager to welcome His son back home. Ezekiel 18:21-22 describes God as “But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.”

4) Father Embraced His son

In this act we see they are no longer alienated. God has strong feeling for His off spring so He is described as “reaching out and touching” man. After all, man is created in “the image of God.”

5) Father kissed His Son

Kissing is an Eastern custom and God extends this warm welcome to His son. This “wayward son” has repented of his sinful behavior (vs. 18 & 19) therefore the former relationship between the father and the son has been restored.

Bill Watkins M.Ed