The father of the Prodigal Son could have been bitter. His younger boy asked for his inheritance while the father was still alive. He not only granted that son's request, but he also gave his older son his double portion.
For those unfamiliar with portions in the Bible, the older son obtained a double portion. That doesn't mean he got twice as much as the other son/sons. It means if there were two sons, the inheritance would be split into three portions. The older son would get two portions, and the younger son would get one.
When the prodigal returns home, he acknowledges his error and humbles himself before his father. He doesn't claim any right. Before he can offer to be a hired servant, the father calls him, "son," and prepares a celebration. He doesn't look to be right but to restore the young man.
The older son chose to be bitter against his brother. He received his double portion and didn't lose anything. He could have had a party for his friends anytime he wanted. The father chose to react with grace and love.
How do we react when wronged? I Peter 1:8 tells us to not walk in anything that is NOT JOY. If we're walking in bitterness, joy isn't present. If we're walking in joy, bitterness cannot remain. Faith is always accompanied by joy because we're walking in obedience to the Lord.
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Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we'd be honored to have you join us for our Sunday Morning Service at 10:00 AM. Super Church for Kids is also available at 10:00 AM. We look forward to meeting you!
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