“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  2 Corinthians:8-9

We’re currently studying together ‘The Grace Course’. At the time of writing, so far we’ve had an insightful re-look at ‘The Prodigal Son’ and its three main characters; the father, the lost younger son, and the eldest son. It’s definitely worth looking at their different characteristics and attitudes. Do you see any of these characteristics in your own life? Which character can you most relate to?

The study revealed the parable in a completely different light, enabling us to take away fresh meaning as to what God’s grace means for us all, today. For instance, the eldest son had been given everything, “all I have is yours” exclaims his father, yet the eldest son’s mindset was closed to this, feeling overlooked, unappreciated, and by the end of the parable, very disgruntled! We can naturally have sympathy for him. However turning the situation on its head, it was the son’s own choice to continue dutifully working long hours, away in the fields, alongside the servants, rather than spending some of that time with his father, or enjoying communion with his friends. How similar are we? Heads down, working away? Yet, if we were to only look up once in a while, take a step back to enjoy and appreciate what we’ve already graciously received, how much better and happier would we feel? There is absolutely nothing we can do to earn God’s grace – he has already generously given it to each and everyone one of us…

“Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work”.  2 Thessalonians 2:16-17