Jesus gives us some incredibly unique insights to God’s heart in the story of the Prodigal Son, (Luke 15:11–32)
The Prodigal’s father related to His sons far differently than tradition and culture required. He treated his sons based on what was in his heart, not on what they did or didn’t do.
• His relationship with his sons was not based upon their merit but rather on his mercy.
• His relationship with his sons is not based upon their deservedness but his graciousness.
One of the great truths that Jesus teaches us in the story of the prodigal son is that the father based His relationship with both sons on his mercy, not their merit or performance. His relationship was not defined by who deserved what but on their father’s graciousness alone.
“The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” Psalm 145:8–9).