Happy Monday, friends!
Welcome to the final week of our series on praying for our loved ones. Today’s devotion closes out the final part of Jesus’ teaching in Luke 15.
In today’s devotion, we’re going to prepare our hearts in anticipation of our unsaved loved one’s salvation or our prodigal’s return to faith. Let’s read one of our favorite parts of Jesus’ teaching:
“So he (the prodigal) returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’” -Luke 15:20–21 NLT
Next, let’s look at how the father handled himself. There is some important guidance we can draw from this story.
1. Be Patient and Hopeful
First, notice how the father was watching and waiting. This speaks to patience and hope. Just as God the Father is patient (2 Peter 3:9) with our unsaved loved ones, the father waited with patience. He did not give up in discouragement or anger.
Let’s imagine ourselves in the place of the father. Take a moment and picture your loved one proclaiming Jesus. Together, we are believing God for that. Let it be soon, Lord!
Yet for some of us, it feels like that day may never come. I have heard from some of you who feel deeply discouraged because your loved ones still seem so far from God. Can I encourage all of us to remember this:
There is nothing too hard for God. No one is too far from God.
Let’s hold on to that hope today.
2. Don’t Bring an “I Was Right” Attitude to Your Anticipated Reunion
Next, notice that when the father saw his son coming, he ran out to meet him. Some of us may think, “The father shouldn’t move one inch until the son makes it right,” or “Does that prodigal even realize everything he put his family through?”
But that is not God’s way. In Romans 5:8, we are reminded that while we were still sinners, God moved toward us by sending Jesus to die for us. God came to make a way, not make us pay. We are called to carry that same spirit toward our unsaved loved ones and prodigals.
May I ask a question - and I'm asking with all due respect: Is there any chance that you give off an “I’m right, you’re wrong” attitude toward your unsaved loved ones or prodigals because you’re saved?
Our unsaved loved ones and prodigals can sense that “I have Jesus, so I’m better than you” self-righteousness. We may not intend to give it off, but this attitude can quietly creep in.
Here are a few signs it might be happening:
- Your love and engagement flow freely when they make decisions you approve of, but you pull back when they do not.
- You lose your temper when they express beliefs or behaviors different from what you want for them.
- Deep down, you know you are judging them for not believing or living the way you do.
Friend, they can sense inconsistency and self-righteousness from a mile away.
We are blessed because we are saved, but we are not better than them. It is only by the grace of God that we live and breathe.
God convicted me of this kind of self-righteousness when my former spouse stopped going to church and fell into alcohol addiction. During the early years of that struggle, I was afraid, angry, and confused. To make myself feel better, I compared myself to him and believed I was better. Instead of giving thanks for the faith I could lean into, my pride looked and sounded like the Pharisee in Jesus’ story who prayed, “At least I’m not like this tax collector because I’m doing all the right things” (Luke 18:9–14, paraphrased).
As we pray for our unsaved loved ones and prodigals to come home, let’s make sure we carry the father’s heart when we run out to welcome them.
3. PRACTICAL STEP: Take the Temperature of Your Heart
First, write down the name(s) of an unsaved loved one or prodigal you have been praying for: ________________________.
Next, read the following passage from Colossians 3:12 and ask yourself if you are living out these qualities in your relationship with that person:
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” -Colossians 3:12 NLT
REFLECTION: Which of these qualities are you doing well? Which ones feel difficult? Which ones do you need to pray about and ask God to help you grow in?
My prayer for you today is that God would gently deal with any areas of self-righteousness or anything else in your heart, so you stay prepared for the day when your loved one crosses the line of faith or repents. When you allow God to convict your heart and you respond with repentance, you will be more available for God to use you, bless you, and give you peace while you pray and wait.
I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Did today’s devotion give you hope or encouragement? If so, leave a comment with “encouraged.” If you have a story to share, I’d love to hear it!
