Apr 4: Insight Post by Michael Thayer
Weekly Reading: Luke 15:11-32
Friday Reflection
Avoid the Attitude of the Older Brother: The older brother resents the father’s celebration of his brother’s return. This highlights the danger of self-righteousness and the importance of celebrating the restoration of others rather than harboring resentment.
Friday Verse
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (NLT)
Friday Questions
Is there someone in my life whom I struggle to forgive or celebrate? How can I change my heart to reflect God’s joy in their restoration?
Friday Insight Post
by Michael Thayer
Is there someone in my life whom I struggle to forgive or celebrate? How can I change my heart to reflect God’s joy in their restoration?
When I read our verses for this week – Luke 15:11-32, the parable of the Prodigal Son – initially I had difficulty identifying with the older son.
After some reflection I remembered someone that I felt wronged me long ago, and who to this day I still harbor some resentment and negative feelings towards. Those sentiments do not keep me from spending and enjoying time with them, nor from giving them a hug or expressing love. However, if I search my heart, I have not truly forgiven them.
If God, like the father in the prodigal son, has forgiven me my sins, even when I have been a repeat offender, how can I not show grace and truly forgive someone I feel has wronged me and whom God is willing to forgive?
The elder brother in the prodigal son is an example of such resentment, keeping him from celebrating his brother’s return home and repentance. The elder brother’s reaction represents the jealousy, pride, and self-righteousness that plagued the Pharisees and scribes that Jesus was so skillfully correcting. And me too? That’s definitely a comparison I’d prefer not to make.
How can I shift my perspective? I believe it’s important to focus on God’s abundant grace, which He has lovingly made available to all of us — including me and those from whom I might be withholding grace. With Easter approaching, we are reminded of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and His triumphant resurrection over our sin. I should celebrate the forgiveness we all receive and rejoice in the new life we have as followers of Christ.
Michael Thayer
Leadership Team Member
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org