The Heart of the Matter ft. Sarah Bowling

Isn’t it great when you go to someone’s house that you are close to, kick off your shoes and make yourself at home? Laughing and eating and sharing stories? God wants you to feel this way with him, 24/7. Is it possible? Absolutely. A good father delights in his children, and God delights in you - and it is not dependent on your good and perfect behavior, either. Think of the story of the prodigal son. We know what the foolish son did, and there was quite a difference in the behavior of the sons, but the father actually loved both sons - his position did not change. He greeted the foolish son back and treated him with lavish love. The “good” son isolated himself from the father (and the family) by hanging back and becoming angry. He also acted like a servant instead of a son. He basically said, “look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and MY friends?” Sadly, he doesn’t recognize that the Father is also treating HIM lavishly. The father tells him, “everything I have is yours.” I’m your father and I love you. His desire is for BOTH sons to receive that love. To come home.