Fruit of Forgiveness

So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off the father saw him and was filled with compassion.Luke 15;20

Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. Luke 15:25

Then he became angry and didn't want to go in. so his father came out and pleaded with him.' Luke 15:28

We mostly hear about the wayward son and his sin and eventual repentance.

However the son that remained and had to struggle with perhaps lack of funds because of his wayward brother, perhaps he had to carry a greater load, also had an issue.

While the brother was away I suppose as he cared for the flocks and tilled the ground the faithful son would have thoughts about what he might like to say to his brother, perhaps he grieved, perhaps he was angry.

Last night at DivorceCare we all got talking and I was asked questions about my Ex-husband. My replies must have sounded sharp as one participant said to me 'but what if he has repented?' I replied 'I think I would know if he had.'(a little self-righteous)

As I came home the Holy Spirit was challenging what was going on in my heart so I opened my bible and read the parable of the Lost Son.

God really challenged me with the verse 28 'and he became angry'. I had to face that I was still angry about a pastor walking away and committing adultery. The Holy Spirit whispered 'but what if he has repented and just not told you?'

I thought I had forgiven but my reaction told me otherwise. As I wake today I am challenged with bearing the fruit of forgiveness.

We hear a lot about the fruit of repentance well now there is the fruit of forgiveness. Before waking I had a dream in which I was in my ex-husbands home and there were a lot of people there. My daughter, who currently struggles with all of this, was there warm and loving.

Today I must call my ex-husband and extend the olive branch, he is not well and I need to do this. I need to release healing into my family. Amen!