As I was scrolling through Facebook yesterday, I saw that a teenager was missing in my area. I shared it in hopes that someone had seen her, and she would be found. I, also, prayed. I told my own teen about it and she told me she had asked God to bring her home safely. The first thought I had was that she probably ran away. I hoped this was true and that she had not been abducted. I thought about her parents and how they must be feeling. The agony of not knowing where your child is can really break you. I know. I have been there before.
This morning, I woke up to the good news that she had been found. My heart was overjoyed! I thanked God for her life. I found out that she had not been abducted but that she had indeed ran away. Was I mad or upset at her? No, I was happy she was safe. I am HAPPY she IS safe! I cannot believe the hate I have seen towards this young lady and even her family. No one knows what led her to run away but she is being judged so harshly. There is little to no compassion or forgiveness.
Her story is not much different than the parable of the Prodigal Son. He asked his father for his inheritance and soon lost everything. Ashamed and broken, he returned to his father’s house where he was welcomed back without judgment. His father did not ask questions or chastise him. He clothed him with the finest robe, jewelry, and shoes. He had a feast to celebrate his return! God does the same for us! If we stray, He does not turn His back on us. He takes us into His loving arms, heals our wounds, and forgives our trespasses.
Does this mean we will not suffer any consequences for our actions? Of course not! Everything we do has consequences. The point is that God forgives us, and loves us unconditionally, so let us not be so quick to judge and condemn others.
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