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As I'm sitting here reviewing Bible passages, I am repeatedly encountering the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). (Thanks for the nudge, Holy Spirit!) :-)

If you read verses 20 and 21, you see that the son returns to his father's home. He has this wonderful plan to ask for forgiveness for all the bad things that he's done, BUT if you read carefully--he doesn't ask for forgiveness BEFORE he's forgiven by his father, but AFTERWARD!!!

As he nears his home, his father (God) sees him ( us/we sinners) coming and RUNS DOWN THE ROAD ~TO~ HIM. :*) He feels compassion for his son, and embraces his son, and kisses him before a single word is said. Is that the behavior of a wrathful judge who demands that we ask for forgiveness *first*? No! The son belonged to the father and was truly loved by him. The son sinned against his father and tried to come back to ask for forgiveness, but the father had already forgiven him! Still, after meeting his father again after so long being separated from him, the son DOES ask for forgiveness formally. The father responds by presenting the son with the highest honors possible because he is so overjoyed at their reunion. :*)

This is what awaits us as Christians. A Father who loves us so much He runs toward us to reunite with us. :*)

I love that story. :*) My daughter Maya's favorite too.

The father loved the prodigal son and received him with open arms when he returned to him. IMHO, that is speaking of love and grace, rather than forgiveness.

Excellent.