Do you have a hard time trusting God’s heart when it comes to what is happening in our lives? It is usually our perception of how things should be that makes us have a hard time trusting God. When we have expectations, we make assumptions about what we should receive or what we shouldn’t have to experience.
Let’s read Luke 15:11-24. Jesus wants everyone to know that God’s love, hope, and grace are for everyone. It doesn’t belong only to those who think they deserve it. In this passage, God paints a picture of forgiveness and grace. What was your take on the young son who was reckless? Let’s now read the other part of the story. Read Luke 15: 25-30. Do you side in with the older child or, the younger child? Do you agree with how the father responded to the younger child returning home? What was the older brother doing when, the younger brother returned? Why was the older brother so angry? Look at verse 29. The older brother was angry because the younger brother was irresponsible, wasted the family money, broke all the rules, and still received grace. Do we have any family members like this? I am sure we all do.
How does it make you feel when people don’t get what they deserve? Can I be honest here? I am struggling with this very thing today! Look at Luke 15:31-32. Isn’t this a very comforting way to look at this situation? We should also be happy when the ones who are in the wrong find the right way. Offering grace is hard on some things, yet so easy in other areas. The bottom line is, though, God offers grace to everyone. We should also be that way. The only way to do this is to know the Father’s heart.
As Christians, do we think because we are obedient to God, we deserve a good life? Following the rules does not mean that our heart is in the right place. Let’s take a look at the religious leaders in Luke 11:42. How did the Pharisees’ behavior reflect a similar attitude as that of the older brother?
We live in a culture that we believe we are an entitlement. How do we get this mentality? Pride (I am more important than you) + Materialism (having and owning is a top priority) + Ungratefulness (Why don’t I have more?)= Entitlement (I am owned or I should own). To let go of entitlement, we have to have the humility to consider where we have an entitlement attitude in our hearts and minds. Do you see any entitlement attitude in your life? How does this keep us from fully experiencing God and His grace?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and grace. I pray that we will see our motives in our hearts and minds for entitlement. I pray that we will try to have a heart like yours towards others.
In Jesus Name
Amen
