In the last day of our week-long focus on the parable of the prodigal son,

we're going to make space to set our eyes on the Father in the story,

and ask the Holy Spirit to make us more like Him.

Our ultimate calling is to grow up into the clearest reflection of who God is,

as his children made in his image. And we see an incredible picture of who we are to be in the

character of the father in the parable of the prodigal son. May we become more like our father in heaven today

as we look at His Word and spend time in His presence.

Welcome to the First 15 podcast. Our scripture for today comes from John 13 verses 34 through 35.

Scripture says,

A new commandment I give to you that you love one another.

Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love

for one another. In response to the wealth of grace given to us by our Heavenly Father,

we are called to be ministers of His grace to others. Until we set others free

from having to live up to our standards, we will never experience true freedom ourselves.

Living apart from an attitude of continual grace robs us of the joy of living without

unrealistic expectations of others.

When we are slow to offer grace for the sins of others, we step outside the realm of God's

kingdom and place our hope and security in this fleeting world.

Jesus tells an important story for us to heed in Matthew 18, verses 21 through 35.

In this parable, a servant is forgiven of an insurmountable debt owed to the king.

But rather than taking the grace he was shown and offering it to others,

...