Have you ever noticed in your personal discipleship how hard it is to change? If you’ve struggled with little habits, imagine how hard it is for someone to change who’s been trapped by a lifestyle for a long time. It’s hard. I know! I’ve often been asked, “What’s the most effective way to help someone who wants to change?” Maybe the following story will help answer that question.

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, as the rebellious son came to himself and realized his folly, he determined to go home and beg forgiveness and employment of his father, that he might at least eat decently. He set out for home.

The scripture records – and this is the point – that while “… he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, [and] had compassion, and ran …” and threw himself upon the boy’s neck. (Luke 15:20) The father kissed him, heard his confessions, and rejoicing brought him once more into the family circle.

Now, what I’ve wondered: How did that father even know he was coming, unless he’d been watching for him? Anxiously that father had watched and waited, and the moment that boy came into view, the father ran all the way out to meet him, quick to forgive.

I believe that so it is with our Heavenly Father. He is not sternly aloof, withholding His love until the very last steps of repentance are walked. He doesn’t demand of us to take every return step alone. He loves us so compellingly that our first feeble steps in His direction are answered with marathons in return. I believe that no one returns to the fold alone.

Now, when through repentance people return, if our celebrations could be as festive and forgiving as those in Heaven, maybe more people would undertake the journey.